This paper investigates the dynamics of having access to social insurance (SI) coverage on
the Egyptian labor market among wage workers throughout 1998 to 2012. Using three rich
nationally representative Egyptian labor market surveys conducted in 1998, 2006, and 2012,
the paper explores the individual and firm-level characteristics of private sector wage workers
who are enrolled in the SI system. Also, the paper studies how long it takes to have access to
SI coverage. Findings show that, during the 2006-2012 period, access to wage employment
with SI coverage has slightly declined in the public sector but appeared to be stalled in the
private sector. Acquiring social insurance coverage in the private sector does not often come
at first entry; gaining such access takes time. The share of private sector wage workers with
no social insurance is highest among new entrants, followed by those having 5 years of
experience, and lowest among those with at least 10 years of working experience.