Establishment of Technologist Syndicate in Egypt
Last February Law No. 13/2024 was issued deciding the establishment of an independent syndicate for technologists (the “Law”).
The need to establish a syndicate for technologists (the “Syndicate”) grows after the issuance of Law No. 72/2019 regulating the establishment of specialized technological universities in Egypt. Both laws interpret the the State’s vision to prioritize the advancement of technology and digital transformation and fostering the integration of artificial intelligence (“AI”) into diverse industries and sectors in Egypt.
Egypt currently has approximately ten technological universities in various sectors including healthcare, food industry, agriculture equipment, railway, textile, water and environment, electricity systems, and chemicals.
Before the issuance of the Law, technologists used to be part of the Egyptian Engineering Syndicate. However, due to the increasing number of specialized technology graduates, the need to establish an independent syndicate became significant.
What is considered as “Technology Activity”?
The Law defines “technology activities” that will fall under its scope of application as any technology-related activity practiced by holders of educational degrees from universities, colleges and technology institutes or holders of equivalent qualifications as determined by the Supreme Council of Universities.
Objectives of the Syndicate
The Law sets certain objectives to be fulfilled by the Syndicate, including the following:
- Developing the professional skills of technologists.
- Encouraging scientific research in technology fields.
- Supporting technology graduates by providing necessary qualification courses and training.
- Suggesting answers and solutions to the obstacles and problems facing the work of the technologists.
- Provide technical aid and consultations to state bodies and institutions.
- Cooperating and exchanging information with relevant organizations for the development of technology work and to cope with regional and international standards.
- Registering the work of the members and protecting their intellectual property.
- Enhancing the financial, social, and health conditions of the members and their families.
- Provision of technical opinions in connection with draft laws and relating to technological work.
Membership of the Syndicate
The applicant to the membership of the Syndicate shall meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be an Egyptian national.
- The applicant must hold bachelor’s degree in technology from a university, college, or technological institute or equivalent qualifications.
- The applicant must have a clear criminal record (i.e. applicant has never been convicted in dishonesty offences).
The Law states that the Syndicate is required to hold several registries such as follows:
- Registry of technology graduates.
- Registry of practitioner technologists (i.e. technologists with 2 year experience).
- Registry of specialist technologists (i.e. technologists with 5 year experience or master degrees).
- Registry of consultant technologists (i.e. technologists with PhD degrees or experience of more than 10 years).
- General Registry, where all members of the Syndicate are registered.
Temporary Permits for Foreign Technologists
The Law allows non-Egyptian technologists to be registered in the Syndicate. They will be granted temporary permits for practicing a technological activity in Egypt. Holders of the temporary permits will be subject to the same rules and provisions stipulated under the Law related to the relevant technological activity during the term of their permits.
Syndicate Funds are Public Funds
The Law asserts that the Syndicate shall be considered a public entity, and its funds are considered public funds. Any person who commits acts of fraud or embezzlement will be subject to the penalties prescribed to protect public funds.
The Syndicate will also be subject to the control and supervision of the Government Accountability Office which oversees public government institutions and public entities in Egypt.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The Law states that whoever practices the profession (i.e. technology activity) without being registered with the Syndicate shall be subject to a fine of not less than EGP 10,000 (ten thousand Egyptian pounds) and not exceeding EGP 100,00 (one hundred thousand Egyptian pounds).
In addition, the Law introduces several sanctions on non-compliant members:
- Warning.
- Deprivation from the services and benefits provided by the Syndicate for up to two years.
- Prohibition from practicing the profession for a period not exceeding two years.
- Cancelling the Syndicate’s membership.
Timeline for Establishing the Syndicate
As per the Law, a temporary committee of (11) specialized members will be constituted to prepare the internal regulation of the Syndicate and to carry out the Syndicate’s establishment procedures. The composition of said Committee will be announced by virtue of a decree from the Prime Minister and the Committee shall complete the establishment of the Syndicate within (6) months from the date of its composition.
Technologists must apply for the membership of the Syndicate within (3) months from the date of announcing the composition of the Committee.
For any questions, please contact Dr. Eman Riad or Ahmed Awad.
