Cabinet approves formation of supreme council for social consultation

CAIRO – 30 July 2026: The Cabinet has approved two draft decrees from the Prime Minister regarding the formation of the Supreme Council for Social Consultation and the Board of Directors of the Emergency Relief Fund for Social and Health Services for Informal Workers.

The decision implements the provisions of the Labor Law (Law No. 14 of 2025), which establishes a comprehensive framework for social dialogue aligned with international labor standards and International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines on tripartite consultations.

The Labor Law places significant emphasis on informal workers by expanding their access to social protection, healthcare, and welfare services. A dedicated section of the law regulates the employment and support of informal workers nationwide, aiming to secure decent job opportunities and provide financial assistance during periods of unemployment.

According to the draft decree, the Supreme Council for Social Consultation will be chaired by the Minister of Labor. Government representation on the Council will consist of senior-level officials or their equivalents nominated by the Central Agency for Organization and Administration, as well as ten key ministries: Local Development, Tourism and Antiquities, Social Solidarity, Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Education and Technical Education, Parliamentary Affairs, Justice, Labor, Planning and Economic Development, and Industry.

The Council will also feature eleven representatives nominated by employer organizations and eleven representatives nominated by trade unions, with the nomination process designed to ensure balanced representation across all levels of union organization. Across all three participating groups—government, employers, and unions—nominations must ensure that women constitute at least one-third of the total membership wherever feasible.

Representatives from the National Council for Women, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, the National Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and the National Council for Human Rights will attend council meetings as non-voting observers. Additionally, the Council may invite outside experts and specialists to participate in discussions based on the topics under review, though they will also serve without voting rights.

The Supreme Council for Social Consultation is entrusted with a broad range of policy and advisory duties. It is tasked with formulating national policies for tripartite consultation and fostering a cooperative environment for information exchange among all parties involved in labor relations. The Council will provide advisory opinions on draft legislation concerning labor, social protection, trade unions, and industrial relations, as well as international and Arab labor agreements prior to their ratification.

To maintain economic stability, the Council will identify legislative or executive gaps and propose proactive measures to prevent collective labor disputes, particularly during economic crises that could lead to partial or full operational shutdowns. It will also conduct research in labor economics, vocational training, and industrial relations to boost national competitiveness, while reviewing matters addressed by ILO supervisory bodies and international tripartite conferences.

Finally, the Council will collaborate with relevant authorities to promote a culture of social dialogue and participate in national initiatives aimed at expanding youth employment, furthering the economic empowerment of women, and driving workplace inclusion for persons with disabilities.