Egyptian Construction Workers Lead Miserable Life Having Neither Basic Income Nor Medical Insurance

Abdulzaher Marei instructs his younger son Alaa Marei in an under-construction building in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Jan. 17, 2013. More than 40 years ago, Abdulzaher Marei left his hometown Atfeeh in Giza countryside and started to work in the construction field in Cairo. His four sons followed him. His eldest son Nageh is considered to be the leader of brothers in the field. He was married and has two children. Nageh and his family lives in the basement of an under-construction building with only one bed. Most of them sleep on the floor, and others spend the night in the street. Construction workers in Egypt has neither basic income nor health or medical insurance. They work with no safety methods, and their job owners often cut off their daily payment.

Muhammad Marei prays in an under-construction building in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Jan. 17, 2013.

Alaa Marei, 15-year-old, works with his elder brother Nageh in an under-construction building in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Jan. 17, 2013. <Xinhua/Amru Salahuddien>