MPs give final approval to EGP 180 bn social protection package:The House approved five bills putting forward the EGP 180 bn social protection package announced last week by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

ICYMI- The package, which was approved by the cabinet last week, includes raising the public sector minimum wage by 50% to EGP 6k, increasing pension payouts by 15%, implementing salary increases for employees in the education and healthcare sectors, and raising the personal income tax exemption threshold to EGP 60k from EGP 45k.

Some MPs voiced worries that the support package might be insufficient unless the government tightens control on retail food prices and clamps down traders.

What’s next? The package will now be sent to El Sisi to be ratified, before going into effect on 1 March. Meanwhile, the House will reconvene on 25 February.

ALSO APPROVED BY THE HOUSE- A draft law that would provide 1.7 mn senior citizens social care and benefits. If passed, the law would see the government setting up social care institutions for seniors and granting them monthly payouts, among a number of other benefits. It also introduces tougher punishments for adults not taking care of their senior parents.

Who’s paying? Under the law, the Social Solidarity Ministry will set up a Senior Citizens’ Care Fund, which will be responsible for providing the necessary funds for the state to provide seniors with the necessary social care and make the promised monthly payouts.

Tags: