MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Embassy in Cairo reminded Filipinos illegally staying in Egypt that they have until March 15, 2024 to legitimize their residency status.

In an advisory posted on Facebook, the embassy said the Egyptian government extended the grace period for foreigners residing illegally in Egypt to correct/legitimize their residency status until March 15, 2024. The original deadline was December 15, 2023.

The new deadline was indicated in Decree No. 3326/2023 issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in August 2023, the embassy said.

"As per this decree, foreigners seeking tourist and non-tourist residence permits must provide evidence of payment of all relevant fees, e.g., residency fees, late fines, residence card issuance, etc., in US dollars or equivalent foreign currencies," it added.

The embassy reiterated that without official announcements amending existing laws, all Filipinos in Egypt "must obtain work permits and licenses from the Ministry of Manpower and its affiliated offices."

"There are no work visas and permits being issued to foreigners who wish to work as household workers in Egypt," the embassy said.

The embassy said Filipinos should always keep their passport with them.

"Your employer and/or sponsor should not keep your passport for any reason," it said.