Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Shipowners' Liability (Sick and Injured Seamen) Convention, 1936 (No. 55) - Egypt (Ratification: 1982)

Article 11 of the Convention. Equality of treatment for all seafarers. The Committee recalls that since the ratification of the Convention by Egypt in 1982, it has been commenting on section 2(b) of Social Insurance Act No. 79 of 1975, which makes the equality of treatment of seafarers dependent upon reciprocity, contrary to this provision of the Convention. The Committee also recalls that the Merchant Shipping Code (Act No. 8 of 1990), sections 126–128 of which give effect to basic requirements of the Convention, does not appear to establish any similar distinction based on nationality, residence or race. Despite the Government’s numerous reassurances that the Social Insurance Act would be amended, the Committee notes with regret that the Government is still not in a position to indicate any concrete progress on this matter. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will not fail to take – as a matter of priority – the necessary measures to amend its legislation in order to ensure that the provisions of the Convention are applied to foreigners even in the absence of a reciprocal agreement and whatever the length of their contract of employment.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.