The Ministry of Finance in Egypt has officially announced the salary disbursement schedule for state employees for April 2025, impacting approximately 6 million workers across the country. This announcement was made public as part of the ministry's broader plan to streamline salary payments and ensure timely compensation for employees across various ministries and governmental entities.
According to the ministry, a total of five days have been designated for the disbursement of salaries and related dues for April, while three days have been set aside for the payment of any outstanding dues. Similarly, for May 2025, the disbursement will also span five days for salaries and three days for pending payments. Dr. Sherif Khairy, the head of the Accounts and Financial Directorates Sector, confirmed that the salary payments for April will commence on April 23, 2025. Late payments are scheduled for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of the same month. The May salaries will begin disbursement on May 22, 2025, with late payments available on the 8th, 11th, and 12th of May.
In a bid to facilitate the process, the Ministry of Finance has emphasized that employees' dues will be accessible via ATMs according to the announced schedule in the electronic financial system. To reduce congestion at ATMs, the ministry has urged administrative employees to avoid crowding around the machines, noting that salaries will be available at any time from the specified disbursement dates.
The salary structure for state employees in April 2025 reflects a range of payments based on job grades. For instance, the salary for distinguished employees will reach 12,200 Egyptian pounds, while high-ranking employees will earn 10,200 pounds. The general manager grade will see salaries of about 9,200 pounds, with first-grade employees receiving 8,200 pounds, second-grade employees 8,000 pounds, third-grade employees 7,500 pounds, fourth-grade employees 7,000 pounds, fifth-grade employees 6,500 pounds, and sixth-grade employees 6,000 pounds. This structured approach aims to ensure fair compensation across various levels of government employment.
As the end of April approaches, another significant change is on the horizon for Egyptians: the implementation of summer time. Official work with summer time will begin on April 25, 2025, when clocks will be advanced by 60 minutes at midnight, shifting from 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM. This change is part of a government initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption and maximizing the use of daylight hours, in accordance with Law No. 24 of 2023, which reinstated the summer time system after it had been paused since 2018.
The transition to summer time is not merely a matter of adjusting clocks; it is a strategic decision rooted in economic and environmental considerations. The government aims to alleviate the challenges posed by rising energy costs and the increasing demand on the national electricity grid. By extending daylight hours, the initiative seeks to reduce electricity consumption during peak evening hours, promote the use of natural lighting, and ultimately lower operational costs for both the state and households.
The government’s plan includes several strategic objectives: reducing reliance on fuel sources such as diesel and gas for energy production, minimizing harmful emissions from fossil fuels, and supporting the transition towards clean energy as part of Egypt’s Vision 2030. The summer time initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals by enhancing the efficiency of energy use across various sectors.
As the summer time approaches, citizens are advised to ensure that their mobile devices and computers are set to automatically adjust to the new time. For Android users, this can be done by navigating to the Settings menu, selecting System or Additional Settings, and enabling Automatic Date & Time. iPhone users can follow a similar process by accessing Settings, going to General, and turning on Set Automatically. This will prevent any confusion regarding schedules and appointments as the clock changes.
Understanding the difference between winter and summer time is essential for adapting to the upcoming changes. Winter time is the official time observed during the colder months, beginning in late October and lasting until April. In contrast, summer time involves advancing the clock by one hour, starting on the last Friday of April and continuing until the end of October. This system is not unique to Egypt; many countries, including those in the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have successfully implemented summer time, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and enhancing operational efficiency.
In practical terms, the introduction of summer time is expected to have various effects on daily life. In workplaces, there will be a reduced need for artificial lighting, leading to lower electricity bills. Transportation schedules, including those for trains and flights, will be adjusted to align with the new time. Households may also experience decreased electricity usage during the evening hours, contributing to overall energy savings. Additionally, the gradual adjustment to the new schedule may aid public health by allowing the body to adapt to slight changes in sleep patterns.
As Egypt prepares for these significant changes in salary disbursement and the introduction of summer time, the government remains focused on creating a sustainable and efficient environment for its citizens. The combined efforts to streamline salary payments and optimize energy use reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life for millions of Egyptians.
