The Philippine Embassy in Cairo has issued a crucial advisory for Filipinos residing illegally in Egypt, setting a deadline of March 15, 2024, to rectify or legalize their residency status.
According to the embassy’s announcement, the Egyptian government has extended the grace period for illegal foreign residents in Egypt for an additional three months from the original deadline of December 15, 2023.
Under Decree No. 3326/2023, issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in August of the preceding year, foreigners intending to acquire tourist or non-tourist residence permits in Egypt must provide proof of payment for all relevant fees, including residency fees, late fines, or issuance of residence cards, in either US dollars or equivalent foreign currencies.
The embassy emphasized that in the absence of official announcements amending existing laws, all Filipinos residing in Egypt must obtain work permits and licenses from the Ministry of Manpower and its affiliated offices. Furthermore, it clarified that no work visas or permits are being issued to foreigners seeking employment as household workers in Egypt.
Additionally, the embassy highlighted the responsibility of Egyptian spouses to assist Filipinos and their children in obtaining Egyptian residence visas, marriage and birth certificates, as well as IDs.
Filipinos were reminded that they should personally retain their valid passports, as opposed to their employers or sponsors.