The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor issued today a ministerial circular mandating the activation of the employment quota for persons with disabilities within government entities and across the public, mixed, and private sectors. This step is part of implementing the provisions of the Care and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Law No. (61) of 1999, aiming to enhance the integration of this group into the labor market, empower them to exercise their legal rights, and ensure their active participation in the development process.

The circular emphasized the commitment of government entities and public and mixed-sector units to allocate (5%) of all vacant positions to qualified persons with disabilities holding rehabilitation certificates. It also obligates private sector employers to employ no less than (5%) of their total workforce from among persons with disabilities, in a manner commensurate with their abilities and capabilities, while guaranteeing them all the rights and benefits stipulated in the Labor Law without any discrimination.

Furthermore, the circular included several regulatory procedures to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities, including mechanisms for nomination and recruitment and the opening of special registries for them within workplaces. It also mandates concerned authorities to notify the Ministry of the data of appointed individuals within a maximum period of one month from the date of employment. The circular affirmed that the Ministry's offices in the governorates will conduct periodic inspection campaigns to ensure compliance with the employment quota and will take legal action against violators.**