Date: June 29, 2011
To: The U.S. Citizen Community
From: Embassy of the United States, Cairo
Subject: Warden Message No. 13: Continued Potential for Demonstrations
This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens in Egypt of the potential for continued demonstrations in Cairo over the next few days. The Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens to avoid areas with heavy police presence or crowds assembling and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large public gatherings and demonstrations.
As a result of events at Tahrir Square during the previous days and nights, indications are that sporadic or planned demonstrations will continue in the immediate future. Tahrir Square Metro Station is closed as of mid-afternoon June 29. U.S. citizens who do not live or work near Tahrir Square should avoid the area during the afternoon and night of June 29. U.S. citizens resident in Egypt should monitor local news broadcasts for updated information about locations of demonstrations. U.S. citizens visiting Cairo should seek information from their hotel or tour guide in planning their activities in the next week. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, U.S. citizens should seek to depart the area as quickly as possible and should follow the instructions of Egyptian police and military personnel.
On Wednesday June 29, 2011, a soccer game is scheduled between the Al Ahly and Zamalek teams at approximately 6:00 p.m. The game will take place at the Cairo Stadium in Nasr City on Salah Salem Road. Attendance is expected to be as high as 70,000 fans and will begin to negatively impact traffic as early as 2:00 PM in the surrounding areas. The sheer volume of people travelling to the game may lead to some road closures and traffic disruption in the general vicinity of these areas. Police preparations might cause similar traffic disruptions. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid the area of Nasr City and the Cairo Stadium during the immediate time leading up to and in the hours after the match. Those who must go to Nasr City, Heliopolis and the Cairo Airport should plan to arrive at their intended destinations on time.
In addition, several groups have called for demonstrations at the Embassy over the next few days. At this time the Embassy has no specific information on the size of the protests or indication of violent intent. There is likely to be an increased police and military presence in the area of the Embassy. The Embassy plans to be open for normal consular services on Thursday June 30. Consular clients should be prepared to show their consular appointment letters and identification at security checkpoints near Tahrir Square and the Embassy. Should the Embassy need to close on short notice because of security concerns, instructions for consular clients will be posted on the Embassy website at http://egypt.usembassy.gov. The Embassy will be closed on Monday July 4 in celebration of U.S. Independence Day.
The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans and remain alert to their surroundings at all times in Egypt. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet website where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Egypt, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, including the current Travel Alert for Egypt, can be found. You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
U.S. citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents and enroll with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy Cairo through the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300. The Embassy is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Non-Egyptians will not be allowed to own land in Sinai
Ahram Online, Monday 27 Jun 2011
Sharaf also stated that the Council of Ministers will cancel fees formally imposed on Sinai produce, and create a special authority mandated with developing the peninsula.
link
The Sinai Development Committee is preparing a draft law to guarantee the best ways to use and manage land in Sinai, and allow citizens of the peninsula to own land there.
According to the law, a special authority would be formed for the comprehensive development of Sinai. It would be tasked with creating job opportunities, improving services and opening a university for the residents of the peninsula.
It would also regulate the buying and leasing of land for Egyptians, while foreigners would still be banned from such practices.link
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Egyptian Visas for foreigners
Tourist Visas to enter Egypt as a foreigner:
Two options
1) Application made to the relevant Egyptian Embassy in your home country. Applications made at Embassy will be given a 3 Month Tourist visa valid for 90 days.
or
2) On arrival at the Egyptian airport before passport control there are windows where Egyptian visas can be bought. The current price is $15 per visa and this visa is valid for 30 days. This is the most popular way of getting the visa but may involve a short queueing time before passport control and immigration. Please have $15, 10 UK Sterling pounds, or 100 EGP ready as all currencies mentioned are accepted by the visa office.
If a foreigner wishes to extend their trip in Egypt they must go to the Mogamma in Cairo or any visa office throughout Egypt and apply for an extended 3 month visa. This will allow 90 days travel within Egypt and is usually stamped into your passport the same day if you apply in the morning. On expiry the foreigner MUST leave the country and re enter purchasing another 30 day visa at the airport of arrival.
Since 25th January Revolution 2011 the Ministry of Manpower has issued a decree that all foreigners MUST be in possession of a valid work permit to work in Egypt. See:link
Two newpaper articles on difficulties obtaining renewals.
link
link
Two options
1) Application made to the relevant Egyptian Embassy in your home country. Applications made at Embassy will be given a 3 Month Tourist visa valid for 90 days.
or
2) On arrival at the Egyptian airport before passport control there are windows where Egyptian visas can be bought. The current price is $15 per visa and this visa is valid for 30 days. This is the most popular way of getting the visa but may involve a short queueing time before passport control and immigration. Please have $15, 10 UK Sterling pounds, or 100 EGP ready as all currencies mentioned are accepted by the visa office.
If a foreigner wishes to extend their trip in Egypt they must go to the Mogamma in Cairo or any visa office throughout Egypt and apply for an extended 3 month visa. This will allow 90 days travel within Egypt and is usually stamped into your passport the same day if you apply in the morning. On expiry the foreigner MUST leave the country and re enter purchasing another 30 day visa at the airport of arrival.
Note:
If your visa has expired or you have the wrong visa then you will be in Egypt illegally and seen as an Illegal Alien. You are then subject to Egyptian Law and if found to be in non criminal activity or not working illegally you will then be immediately deported to your home country.
If you have been involved in criminal activity or working illegally you will be subject to Egyptian Law.
Since 25th January Revolution 2011 the Ministry of Manpower has issued a decree that all foreigners MUST be in possession of a valid work permit to work in Egypt. See:link
UPDATE: July 2011
Two newpaper articles on difficulties obtaining renewals.
link
link
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Egyptian Visa/Egyptian Residency updated May 2011
Visas and Passports
Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Entry visas may be obtained from Egyptian Diplomatic and Consular Missions Abroad or from the Entry Visa Department at the Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). It is, however, possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the Major Ports of Entry. Please check with your nearest Egyptian Consular mission for more details concerning visa regulations applying to your citizenship.
Note: Most travelers obtain their Visa upon entry to Egypt, and need not use the forms below to obtain a visa. Visa applications are normally passed out by airlines prior to landing at an Egyptian airport. Tour Egypt may make visa arrangements for guests that have booked tours through its travel department.
Or
The visa form must then be completed, either by printing it out and filing it in or via a graphics editor and sent to the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.
Notes
- Visitors entering Egypt at the overland border post to Taba to visit Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine can be exempted from visa and granted a free residence permit for fourteen days to visit the area.
- Citizens of the following countries are required to be in possession of a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia,Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines,Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.
- Residents of the above countries may apply for a visa through their nearest Egyptian Consulate or Embassy. Click here to find the Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Those in possession of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less.
There are three types of Egyptian visa:
-
- Tourist Visa: is usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis.
-
- Entry Visa: is required for any foreigner arriving in Egypt for purposes other than tourism, e.g. work, study, etc. The possession of a valid Entry Visa is needed to complete the residence procedure in Egypt.
-
- Transit Visa.
- Tourist Visa: is usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis.
Major Ports of Entry to Egypt
Airports:
-
- Cairo International (3 terminals)
- Alexandria Nozha
- Alexandria, Burg El Arab
- Luxor, Upper Egypt
- Aswan, Upper Egypt
- Hurghaga, Red Sea
- Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai
- Marsa Alam Airport
- Cairo International (3 terminals)
Marine Harbors:
-
- Alexandria, Mediterranean
- Port Said, Mediterranean
- Damietta, Mediterranean
- Suez, Gulf of Suez
- Nuweiba, Gulf of Aqaba
- Hurghada, Red Sea
- Safaga, Red Sea
- Sharm El-Sheikh, Red Sea
- Alexandria, Mediterranean
Overland Entry Posts:
-
- Salloum, northwestern border (to and from Libya)
-
- Rafah, northeastern border (to and from Gaza strip, the Occupied Territories and Israel)
-
- Taba, eastern border (to and from Israel)
- Salloum, northwestern border (to and from Libya)
Visa Fees
Some examples of Egyptian tourist visa fees at a variety of consular missions:
| Tourist Visa Fees | ||
| Country | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
| Argentina | 18 US$ | 23 US$ |
| Australia | 35 $A | 42 $A |
| Austria | 300 AS | 380 AS |
| Belgium | 1100 BF | 1300 BF |
| Brazil | 25 Cr$ | 30 Cr$ |
| Canada | 25 $c | 31 $c |
| Cyprus (Cypriot nationals) | 8 Pound; | |
| Cyprus (other nationals) | 12 Pound; | 14 Pound; |
| Denmark (Danish nationals) | 132 Kr | |
| Denmark (other nationals) | 188 Kr | 240 Kr |
| Finland (Finnish nationals) | 100 Mk | Mk |
| Finland (other nationals) | 140 Mk | 175 Mk |
| France | 25 € | 30 € |
| Germany (German nationals) | 25 € | |
| Germany (other nationals) | 30 € | 35 € |
| Greece | 25 € | 30 € |
| Holland | 25 € | 30 € |
| Indonesia | 45,000 Rp | 60,000 Rp |
| Ireland | 16,5 £ | 20,5 £ |
| Italy | 25 € | 30 € |
| Japan | 5,500 Yen; | 7,000 Yen; |
| Malaysia | 46 M$ | 57 M$ |
| Norway (Norwegian nationals) | 130 Kr | |
| Norway (other nationals) | 180 Kr | 215 Kr |
| Portugal | 25 € | |
| Russia (Russian nationals) | 53,000 Rub | |
| Russia (other nationals) | 85,000 Rub | |
| Singapore | 46 S$ | 58 S$ |
| South Korea | 15,000 W | 20,000 W |
| Spain | 25 € | 30 € |
| Sweden | 170 Kr | 220 Kr |
| Switzerland | 50 SF | 60 SF |
| United Kingdom | 15 Pound; | 18 Pound; |
| United States (US nationals) | 15 $ | |
| United States (other nationals) | 20 $ | 23 $ |
(All above figures are correct at the time of posting but may be subject to change without prior notice)
Exemptions from Visa Fees
Egyptian visa fees do not apply to the following:
-
- Holders of diplomatic passports.
- Officials of international organizations and specialized agencies and state delegates to conferences.
- Arab League officials.
- Non-national spouses of Egyptian nationals.
- Non-national members of the clergy, prominent scientists, journalists and members of official cultural, educational and sports delegations.
- Non-national students studying in Egyptian institutions.
- Non-diplomatic personnel of diplomatic and consular missions affected in Egypt.
- Parents, siblings and adult children of members of the diplomatic and consular corps affected in Egypt.
- Nationals of Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia and the United States are partially exempt from Egyptian visa fees and will, therefore, pay a reduced fee.
- Holders of diplomatic passports.
Visa Exemptions
The following are exempt from visa requirement when visiting Egypt:
-
- Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
- Holders of diplomatic passports of Argentina, Bosnia Herzegovina, Italy, Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, the Slovak Republic and Turkey.
- Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
Residence in Egypt for Foreign Nationals
Egypt grants legitimate foreign nationals the right for temporary residence in the country. There are two main cases of resident permits in Egypt:
- Special Residence: is usually granted for a period of 10 years, renewable. Special residence is granted to those born in Egypt prior to 26/5/1952 or those having resided in the country for the 20 years preceding 26/5/1952 and whose stay has been uninterrupted; it is also granted to their wives and minor children.
- Ordinary Residence: is granted for a period of either 3 or 5 years.
Three-Year Residence
Non-nationals are entitled to obtain temporary 3-year residence (renewable) in Egypt if they belong to any of the following categories:
1. Non-national husbands of Egyptians.
2. Children:
-
- Minor children entitled to special or ordinary residence in like manner to their deceased father.
- Adult children whose father is entitled to special, ordinary or 3-year residence provided a source of income is available to them.
- Adult Palestinian male children of those employed by the Department for the Governor General of Gaza, or of those retired therefrom, who have completed their studies and are not working in the country.
- Minor children entitled to special or ordinary residence in like manner to their deceased father.
3. Those employed by the government, public institutions, public sector companies and public business sector.
4. Palestinians employed by the Department for the Governor General of Gaza and those retired therefrom.
5. Palestinians in possession of travel documents issued solely by Egyptian authorities who have been resident in Egypt for a period of 10 years.
6. Non-nationals who receive a monthly pension from the National Authority for Insurance and Pensions.
7. Non-national residents of homes for the elderly and disabled.
8. Political refugees.
9. Refugees registered at the UN Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
10. Spouses of those non-nationals entitled to special or ordinary residence.
11. Egyptian spouses who forfeited their nationality of origin following marriage to non-nationals and the acquisition of the latter's citizenship.
12. Spouses and children of those non-nationals exempt from residence permits and restrictions.
13. Non-nationals who, for any reason, waived their entitlement to special or ordinary residence.
14. Those non-nationals employed by the Swiss Institute for Architectural and Archeological Research in Egypt.
15. Non-nationals who, according to international treaties, are entitled to obtain 3-year residence.
16. Those granted approval on 3-year residence from the Ministry of Interior.
17. Spouses and children of those non-nationals entitled to 3-year residence under any of the previous cases.
Five-Year Residence
Non-nationals are entitled to obtain temporary 5-year residence (renewable) in Egypt if they belong to any of the following categories:
1. Investors.
2. Egyptians and their minor children who forfeited their nationality of origin due to their admission to a foreign citizenship.
3. Children:
a. Of Egyptian mother.
b. Whose father was granted Egyptian citizenship.
c. Adult children whose mother is entitled to special, ordinary or 5-year residence in case of the death of the father.
4. Those of age 60 or more who have been resident in Egypt for 10 years provided that a source of income is available to them.
5. Non-nationals who, according to international treaties, are entitled to obtain 5-year residence.
6. Spouses and widows of Egyptians.
7. Spouses of those non-nationals entitled to ordinary residence.
8. Spouses and children of those non-nationals entitled to 5-year residence under any of the previous cases.
Special Services
Foreigners arriving in Egypt on board of ships are granted a permission to visit the port of arrival for 24 hours and catch their ship at the same port. They can also be granted a permission to enter the country for a visit not exceeding a period of 3 days before catching their ship at the port of arrival or at any other port.
Air passengers transiting in Egyptian airports are allowed entry for a quick trip not exceeding the period of 24 hours. In the event of emergency landing, passengers are entitled to enter Egypt for a period of:
24 hours in case of poor weather conditions.
48 hours in case of technical faults to the aircraft.
UPDATE!
Special Residence Permit
A Special residence Permit is granted to foreigners who were born in Egypt prior to May 26, 1952 as well as to those individuals, their families and minor children who have been continuously living in Egypt for a period of more than twenty (20) years prior to May 26, 1952 and this residence permit is valid for ten years and is renewable for a fee.
Regular Residence Permit
A regular residence permit is granted to foreigners and their minor children who have resided in Egypt on a continuous basis for the past fifteen (15) years prior to May 26, 1952 and is valid for a period of five (5) years renewable for a fee.
A Leave of Absence
Those individuals who have been granted a special or regular residence permit may request a leave of absence prior to their departure if they plan to be outside the country for a period of more than six (6) months. The leave of absence can be obtained from the directorate or from any of the Egyptian Consulates abroad at no charge, provided that it is before a period of six (6) months from the date of departure. The duration of the leave of absence should not exceed a period of two (2) years unless it is for educational purposes or for the performance of obligatory military service.
Five Year Residence
A Temporary Residence permit is valid for a duration of five (5) years, is renewable and is granted to foreigners who fit the following categories:
1. Foreign Investors subject to special restrictions.
2. Egyptians, and their children, who have lost their Egyptian nationality in the process of acquiring a foreign nationality and are no longer entitled to the Egyptian nationality.
3. Children who are the following:
a. Children whose mother is an Egyptian national.
b. Children whose parents have been granted the Egyptian nationality.
c. Adult children who have reached the age of maturity under the guarantee of their mothers who have been granted special, regular or five-year residence and in the event of the father’s death.
4. Those who have passed the age of 60 and who have lived in Egypt for a period of at ten (10) years or more, and have a source of income.
5. Foreigners who are entitled to the five (5) years residence permit according to international agreements.
6. Wives and widows of Egyptians.
7. Wives of foreigners who are granted regular residence.
8. Wives and children of foreigners who are granted temporary residence for a period of five (5) years.
Tertiary Residence
Foreigners who fit the following categories are granted Tertiary residence, which is valid for a period of three (3) years and is renewable:
1. Foreign husbands of Egyptians.
2. Children who fit the following criteria:
a. Minor children who have been granted special or regular residence similar to their deceased father.
b. Adult children who have reached the age of maturity and whose parents are granted special, regular or tertiary residence provided that they have a source of income.
c. Palestinian male children who have reached the age of maturity and are working at the ruler’s administration or those who have reached retirement age and who have concluded their studies in the country.
3. Those individuals who work for the government, the general organizations, the general sector companies and the business sector.
4. The Palestinians who work for the ruler’s administration and those who have reached retirement age.
5. The Palestinians who hold travel documents issued by the Egyptian authorities and who have settled in Egypt for the past ten (10) years, provided that they have a source of income in the country.
6. Foreigners who receive a monthly pension from the general authority for insurance and pensions.
7. Disabled or elderly residents of a nursing home in Egypt.
8. Refugees registered in the refugee affairs office of the United Nations.
9. Political refugees.
10. Widows of a foreigner who have been granted special, regular or tertiary residence.
11. Egyptian women who have lost their Egyptian nationality upon marrying a foreigner and acquiring his native nationality.
12. Wives and children of foreigners exempted from limitations of the residence permits.
13. Foreigners who have lost their special, regular or tertiary residential rights for any reason.
14. Foreigners working at the Swiss Institute of Architectural and Archaeological Research Center.
15. Foreigners who are entitled to tertiary residence license according to international agreements.
16. Those individuals who are granted a tertiary residence permit by the Ministry of Interior.
17. Wives and children of foreigners who have been granted a tertiary residence permit in all the previous mentioned cases.
Temporary Residence for Non-Tourist purposes
This type of residence is granted to individuals, as well as their wives and children who fall into the following categories:
1. Those working for the government, the general organizations, the general sector, the national local government units or units of the general business sector.
2. Those who work for the private sector or the investment sector subject to a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Employment.
3. Those studying at Egyptian universities, institutes or schools upon presentation of educational enrollment certificates.
4. Mothers and fathers of the students who are given a permit to receive an education in Egypt.
5. Foreigners arriving to the country to undergo volunteer work at their own expense.
6. Foreign husbands of Egyptian women are granted a residence permit valid for one (1) year under the guarantee of the Egyptian wife.
7. The adult children who have exceeded the age of maturity are granted a residence permit upon presenting a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Employment.
8. Mothers and fathers of investors who are granted a temporary residence permit for non-tourist purposes, tertiary residence or the one-year residence under the guarantee of the investor and upon a letter of recommendation from the investment authority.
9. Divorcees of Egyptian men.
10. The husbands and minor children of foreigners who have been granted a personal temporary residence permit.
11. Those who have an open bank account with an Egyptian bank that is authorized to take such deposits in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The balance of such deposits must not be less than Fifty thousand US Dollars ($50,000) or the equivalent of that sum in free currencies, and the deposit of that sum must be frozen for a period of at least a year. These individuals are granted temporary residence for non-tourist purposes for a period not to exceed one (1) year amenable to renewal.
12. Those individuals who own real estate registered by means of proprietorship contracts registered in the notary public authority, in addition to their wives and children provided that the estimated value of the real estate is not less than Fifty thousand US Dollars ($50,000) to be transferred through an Egyptian bank.
13. Relatives of Egyptian Citizens related up to second-degree relation are granted temporary residence for non-tourist purposes valid for duration of one (1) year and amenable to renewal under the individuals guarantee.
14. Those who have exceed the age of fifty (50) years and have resided in Egypt for five continuous years, provided that they have a source of income, or are under the guarantee of a relative whose relation can be up to fourth degree.
Temporary Residence for Tourist Purposes
A temporary residence permit for tourist purposes may be granted and is valid for a period of one (1) year amenable to renewal. This type of residence permit can be granted for the purpose of tourism, visits or medical treatment.
At the end of your residence in Egypt, you may leave within fifteen days following the end duration of residence directly through the country's outlets. You may renew your residence for another period, but you should apply to the proper Egyptian authority or its branches
Certificates and Notifications
It is possible, upon request, to get a certificate or a passport stamp certifying that the concerned person has resided in the country for 5 consecutive years, or a certificate demonstrating his residence in Egypt. Such certificates and stamps are issued at the Residence Administration at the Authority Certificate Unit. It is also possible to obtain the residence and leave data certificate to be presented to legal entities through the Department of Legal Affairs at the organization. link
Monday, May 30, 2011
Smoking in Egypt
Health Minister Ashraf Hatem on Sunday said the goverment will increase taxes on cigarette companies to 70 percent.
To recognize the international No Tobacco Day, Hatem said Egypt spends around LE3 million to 4 million annually on treating smoking-related diseases.
The World Health Organization has issued reports criticizing low taxes imposed by the Egyptian government on cigarette companies, pointing out that this encourages smoking.
A report issued in March showed that increasing taxes effectively discourages people from smoking.
Ninety percent of lung cancers in Egypt are caused by smoking, the report added, and 44 percent of Egyptian youth between the ages of 13 and 15 are affected by passive smoking in public areas.
Special offer for Egyptian Citizens!!!!! Cheap Holidays in Egypt
Egyptian Minister of Tourism Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour said on Saturday that a program to encourage domestic tourism will be launched by the end of the week, featuring cooperation between Egyptair, Al-Ahly Bank and the Ministry of Tourism.
The program is to include offers to Egyptian citizens of a week in a touristic destination for a nominal price, paid by interest-free installments over six months.
Abdel Nour announced the touristic program at a seminar titled “Our Egyptian Identity First and Foremost”, organized by the student union of Cairo University. He said that the Egyptian revolution had won Egypt the admiration of the whole world.
link
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Hurghada Guinness book of records mass dive attempt July 2011
Egypt to host mass-dive record attempt
Just two weeks after a British attempt was announced, an Egyptian group has said that it too will try to break the Guinness world record for the Most People Scuba Diving Simultaneously.
The Egypt Scuba Challenge aims to get 3000 divers into the water off Hurghada on 26 July 2011.The stunt is being organised by the Egyptian Divers Syndicate in co-operation with the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA).
“We have been looking for a spot that is suitable to hold such a huge amount of divers without any detrimental effect on the environment and have agreed on the outside area of the New Marina in Hurghada,” says HEPCA.
“This location has a large sandy plateau at 12-13m depth, which is capable of holding 3000 divers. There is hardly any marine life there, but plenty of rubbish.
“For this reason we do not only want to break the world record for the largest collective dive, but also the world record for the largest underwater clean-up.”
Local dive centres and travel agents operating to the area have been asked to “support the event and actively promote it”.
The event will “help promote tourism in Egypt and, at the same time, raise environmental awareness”.
Companies interested in supporting or taking part in the event will be provided with "promotional material and ideas".
Individual divers from overseas are also invited to participate.
“If you’d like to be part of the world record attempt and are a qualified diver, start searching for flights to Egypt and we look forward to seeing you here in July,” says HEPCA.
The minimum qualification level required is PADI Open Water Diver.
Enquiries should be sent to urte@hepca.com.
The Egyptians are getting their attempt in before the British one, which takes place in Swanage in late September.
The record stands at 2486 divers, who dived off Indonesia in 2009.
Should the Egyptians surpass this mark, the British dive will need to go one better to ensure that the Egyptian record lasts for just a couple of months this summer.
The organiser of the British event has, like HEPCA, cited 3000 divers as the immersion target. For more on the British attempt, click here.
Link
Friday, May 13, 2011
Suzanne Mubarak Thabit has been arrested
Suzanne Mubarak Thabit has been arrested and detained for 15 days pending investigation by illicit gains authority.
This is the first time in history the first lady of an Arab nation has been arrested for corruption.
On hearing the news of her arrest she complained of chest pains like her husband Hosny Mubarak done when he learned he was being arrested.
The Cardiac doctor in the Sharm el Sheikh hospital where they both were said that she would remain for 24 hours under observation and the people of Egypt expect her to be brought to the Kantar Prison in Cairo to await charges and trial.
This is the first time in history the first lady of an Arab nation has been arrested for corruption.
On hearing the news of her arrest she complained of chest pains like her husband Hosny Mubarak done when he learned he was being arrested.
The Cardiac doctor in the Sharm el Sheikh hospital where they both were said that she would remain for 24 hours under observation and the people of Egypt expect her to be brought to the Kantar Prison in Cairo to await charges and trial.
Egyptians abroad voting rights
Please sign petition to allow Egyptians living abroad participation in the voting system of Egypt.
Petition
Petition
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Constitutional Amendment Declaration
Constitutional Amendment Declaration
After reviewing the constitutional declaration issued in 13th February 2011,
And results of the referendum on the constitutional amendments of 19th
March 2011, where were announced in 20th March 2011,and in consideration of the statement issued by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces in 23rd March 2011, The Supreme Council of Armed Forces has decreed the following;
(Article 1)
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a democratic state based on citizenship. The
Egyptian people are part of the Arab nation and work for the realization of
its comprehensive unity.
(Article 2)
Islam is the religion of the state and the Arabic language is its official
language. Principles of Islamic law (Shari’a) are the principal source of
legislation.
(Article 3)
Sovereignty is for the people alone and they are the source of authority.
The people shall exercise and protect this sovereignty, and safeguard the
national unity.
(Article 4)
Citizens have the right to establish associations, syndicates, federations,
and parties according to the law. It is forbidden to form associations
whose activities are opposed to the order of society or secret or of
militaristic nature. No political activity shall be exercised nor political
parties established on a religious referential authority, on a religious basis
or on discrimination on grounds of gender or origin.
(Article 5)
Public property is protected, and its defense and support is a duty
incumbent on every citizen, according to the law.
Private property is safeguard, and it is not permitted to impose
guardianship over it expect through means stated in law and by court
ruling.
Property cannot be seized expect for the public benefit and in exchange
for compensation according to the law, and the right inheritance is
guaranteed.
(Article 6)
Law applies equally to all citizens, and they are equal in rights and general
duties. They may not be discriminated against due to race, origin,
language, religion, or creed.
(Article 7)
Personal freedom is an natural right, safeguarded and inviolable, and
except in the case of being caught in the act of violation, it is not
permitted for anyone to be detained or searched or to be freedom
restricted, or movement prevented, except by a warrant order compelling
the necessity of investigation or to safeguard the security of society. This
warrant order shall be issued by a specialized judge or the general
prosecutor, according to the law. The law also determines the period for
which one may be detained.
(Article 8)
Every citizen who is arrested or detained must be treated in a way that
preserves his/her human dignity. It is forbidden to be abused psychically
or morally, and forbidden to be detained in places outside of those
designated by the prisons law. Any statement proven to be extracted from
a citizen under threat will not be counted.
(Article 9)
Homes are protected and it is not permitted to enter or search them
without a warrant according to the law.
(Article 10)
The life of citizens has special sanctity protected by law, as do messages
sent by post, fax, telephone, or other means of communications, where
secrecy is guaranteed. It is not permitted to confiscate, read or censor
them, except by court ruling and for a limited time, according to the law.
(Article 11)
The state guarantees the freedom of creed, and practicing religious rites.
(Article 12)
Freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and every person has the right to
express his opinion and publish it spoken, written, photographed, or other
form of expression within the law. Personal criticism and constructive
criticism are a guarantee for the safety of the national development.
(Article 13)
Freedom of the press, printing, publication and media are guaranteed, and
censorship is forbidden, as are giving ultimatums and stopping or
canceling publication from an administrative channel. Exception my be
made in the case of emergency or time of war, allowing limited censorship
of newspapers, publication and media on matters related to general safety
or the purposes of national security, all according to law.
(Article 14)
It is not permitted for any citizen to be denied residence in a particular
area, nor requiring him to reside in a particular place, except in cases
designated by law.
(Article 15)
It is not permitted to expel a citizen from the country or forbid him from
returning, or to give up political refugees.
(Article 16)
Citizens have the right or private assembly in peace without bearing arms
or need for prior notice. It is not permitted for security forces to attend
these private meetings. Public meetings, processions and gatherings are
permitted within confines of the law.
(Article 17)
Any attack on the personal freedom or sanctity of life of citizens or other
rights and general freedom guaranteed by the constitution and law is a
crime, which will be followed by a criminal or civil suit according to the
statute of limitations. The state guarantees fair compensation for whoever
experiences such an aggression.
(Article 18)
Public taxes will instituted and their amendment or cancellation will take
place by law. No one will be excluded from taxation except in cases stated
in law. It is not permitted for anyone to charge another pay taxes or fees
except within the bounds of law.
(Article 19)
Personal penalty. There will be no crime or penalty except according to
the law. Punishment will not take place except by judicial ruling, nor will
punishment occur for acts that take place before enactment of the
relevant law.
(Article 20)
The accused is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law that
guarantees for him defense. Every accused in a crime is required to have
an attorney to defend him.
(Article 21)
Litigation is a safeguarded and guaranteed right for all people, and every
citizen has the right to resort to his natural judge. The state guarantees
close association of judicial apparatuses with litigants, in addition to a
speedy trial of matters. The text of law forbids any action or
administrative decision from being absolved of judicial oversight.
(Article 22)
The right to defend one's self in person or by proxy is guaranteed. The law
guarantees those unable monetarily to defend themselves to resort to the
judiciary for means to defend their rights.
(Article 23)
Anyone arrested or detained will be notified of the reason for his
detestation immediately. He has the right to contact whomever he desires
and inform them of the arrest and seek help, according to the law. It is
necessary that accusations be announced with haste, and the detained
has the right to appeal in from of the judiciary to determine the
circumstances in which his personal freedom was suspended. The law
organizes the right to present a grievance in order to guarantee a decision
in a limited time period, or else the detainee's release is inevitably
released.
(Article 24)
Laws are issued and executed in the name of people. Suspension or
avoidance of their execution on the part of public employees is a crime
punishable by law. The plaintiff has the right to bring the criminal case
directly to a specialized court.
(Article 25)
The President of the State is the president of the republic. He shall assert
the sovereignty of the people, respect for the constitution and sovereignty
of the law, and defense of national unity and social justice, according to
means stipulated in this Announcement and the law.
He shall undertake upon assuming his position responsibilities referred to
in article 56 of this announcement, except for what is stipulated in
provisions 1 and 2 of the article.
(Article 26)
It is required for whoever is elected president of the republic to be an
Egyptian who has never held another citizenship, born of two Egyptian
parents who have never held another citizenship enjoying his political and
civil rights, not married to a non-Egyptian, and not falling under the age
of 40 years.
(Article 27)
The president will be elected directly by general secret ballot. To be
nominated for the presidency of the republic, a candidate must be
supported by 30 members at least of the elected members of the People's
Assembly and Shoura Council, or the candidate may be obtain the support
of at least 30,000 citizens, who have the right to vote, in at least 15
provinces whereby the number of supports in any of the provinces is at
least 1,000
In all cases, it is no permissible to support more than one candidate, and
the law will stipulate the procedures for this matter. Every political party
with members who have won at least one seat by way of election in either
of the People's Assembly or Shoura Council in the last elections may
nominate one of its members of the presidency.
(Article 28)
A supreme judicial commission named the "President Elections
Commission" will supervise the election of the president republic
beginning with the announcement of the opening of candidate nomination
and ending with the announcement of the election result.
The commission will be composed of the president of the Supreme
Constitutional Court as the head, and a membership made up on the
president of the Cairo Appeals Court, the most senior deputies of the
president of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the most senior deputies
of the president of the Court of Cassation and the most senior deputies of
the president of the State Council
The Commission's decisions will be final and carry the force law, and will
not subject to objections from any party, in the same manner as it is
forbidden for the decisions to be stopped or canceled. The purview of
Commission will be by law. The Commission will form committees to
supervise voting and counting according to the stipulations in article 39.
Draft legislation for presidential elections will be shown to the Supreme
Constitutional Court before being issued to determine the extent of
compliance with the constitution.
The Supreme Constitutional Court will issue its decision on this matter
within 15 days of receiving the draft legislation. If it decides that the text
is unconstitutional, more work must be done before the law can be issued.
In all cases, the decision of the Court will be obligatory for all authorities
of the state, and will be published in the official gazette within three days
of being releases.
(Article 29)
The period of presidency is four years beginning from the date of
announcing the result of the election, and the president of the republic
may no run for more than one additional presidential term.
(Article 30)
The president will take the following oath before the People's Assembly
before assuming his position " I swear to God that I will faithfully preserve
the republican order, that I will respect the constitution and the law, and
look after the interests of the people comprehensively, and that will
preserve the independence of the nation and the safety of its land"
(Article 31)
The president of the republic will appoint within a maximum of 30 days
after assuming his duties at least one vice president and determine his
responsibilities, so that in the case of his stepping down from the position
of the president, another will be appointed on his place. The conditions
that must be met by the president will apply, as will rules governing the
accountability for vice presidents of the republic.
(Article 32)
The People's Assembly Council will be composed of a number of members
determined by law to be at least 350, half of whom at least will be
Workers and Peasants. The members of the People's Assembly Council will
be elected by a direct, public and secret election. The law stipulates the
definition of a Worker and Peasant, as well as the electoral districts that
the state will be divided into. It is possible for the president of the republic
to appoint in the People's Assembly a number of the members, not to
exceed 10.
(Article 33)
Immediately upon election, the People's Assembly Council will assume the
authority to legislate and determine the public policy of the state, the
general plan for economic and social development, and the public budget
of the state. It will also oversee the work of the executive branch.
(Article 34)
Term of the People's Assembly Council will be five years starting from the
date of its first assembly.
(Article 35)
The Shoura Council will be composed of a number of members determined
by law no to be fewer than 132 members, two-thirds of whom will be
elected by direct, public and secret voting (at least half workers and half
peasants), and one-third of whom will be appointed by the president of
the republic.
The law determines the electoral districts for the Shoura Council.
(Article 36)
Term of the Shoura Council membership will be 6 years.
(Article 37)
The Shoura Council will assume its responsibilities upon election. It will
study and recommend what it views as necessary to preserve support for
national unity and social peace and protect the foundational elements of
society and its highest values, in addition to rights, freedoms and general
obligations. The Council will consider the following;
1- The project of general planning for economic and social
development
2- Draft laws referred by the president of the republic.
3- Whatever the president of the republic refer to the Council on
subjects related to the state's public policy or policies related to the
Arab and foreign affairs.
The council will notify the president and the People's Assembly Council of
its opinion on these matters.
(Article 38)
The law will govern the right of candidacy for the People's Assembly and
Shoura Councils according to the determined electoral system including at
a minimum the participation of women in both assemblies.
(Article 39)
The law determines the conditions that must be met for members of the
People's Assembly and Shoura Councils, stipulating electoral and
referenda provisions. A supreme commission made entirely of judges will
assume the responsibility of supervision elections of referenda, from the
determination of electoral schedules to the announcing of election results,
all as regulated by law. Voting and the counting of votes will take place
under their higher councils, and the decision in the process of choosing
them will undertaken by the supreme commission.
(Article 40)
The Court of Cassation will be designated to determine the integrity of the
membership of the People's Assembly and Shoura Councils, and
objections will be presented to the court within 30 days of the
announcement of elections results. The Court will rule on the objection
within 90 days of receiving it. The membership is considered void on the
date which the two assembles are informed of the Court's decision.
(Article 41)
Electoral procedures will being within months of the state of this
Announcement. The Shoura Council will assume its duties with elected
members, upon his election, the president of the republic will appoint the
final third of the Council's membership, who will serve out of the
remainder of the term of the Council as regulated by the law.
(Article 42)
Every member of the People's Assembly and Shoura Councils will swear to
conduct work in accordance with the following oath in front of his
legislative body " I swear to God that I will faithfully preserve the safety of
the nation and the republican order, that I will look after the interests of
the people and respect the constitution and the law"
(Article 43)
It is not permissible for any member of the People's Assembly or Shoura
Councils during his tenure to busy or rent anything using state money, or
to rent out or sell anything with said money, or barter with it or enter into
a contract with the state as an entrepreneur, importer, or contractor.
(Article 44)
It is not permissible to remove the membership of any members of the
People's Assembly or Shoura Councils unless he has lost confidence and
esteem, or any of the condition of membership, or his position as Worker
or Peasant based on which he was elected, or if he has breached any of
responsibilities of membership. A decision to remove membership must be
issued by a two-thirds majority of the respective assembly.
(Article 45)
It is not permissible in any case except that of flagrant violation to take
any criminal proceedings against a member of the People's Assembly or
Shoura Councils, except with prior permission from his assembly. In the
case of the assembly's recess, permission will be taken from the head of
the assembly and will be subsequently presented to the assembly upon
resumption of work.
(Article 46)
Judicial authority is independent and invested in courts of different
varieties and degrees. Rulings will be issued according to the law
(Article 47)
Judges are independent and not subjected to removal. The law regulates
disciplinary actions against them. There is no authority over them except
that of the law, and its not permissible for any authority to interfere in
their issues or matters of justice.
(Article 48)
The State Council is an independent judicial body that specializes in
adjudication of administrative disputes and disciplinary claims. The law
determines its other responsibilities.
(Article 49)
The Supreme Constitutional Court is an independent and autonomous
judicial body, uniquely tasked with judicial oversight over the
constitutionality of laws and regulations. It deals with the interpretations
of legislative texts, all as stipulated in the law. The law also designates
other responsibilities for the Court and regulates the procedures followed
in front of it.
(Article 50)
The law determines judicial bodies and their responsibilities and regulates
their formation, in addition to stipulating conditions and procedures for
appointing their members and their transfer.
(Article 51)
The law regulates the military judicial system and stipulates its
responsibilities in line with constitutional principles.
(Article 52)
Court sessions are to be public except in the case that the court decides to
make them secret in the interest of public order or morals. In all cases,
the verdict is announced in a public session.
(Article 53)
The armed forces are the property of the people. Their mission is the
protection of the country and the safety and security of its lands. It is not
permissible for anybody or group to establish military or paramilitary
formations. The defense of the country and its land is sacred
responsibility, and conscription is mandatory according to the law. The law
stipulates the conditions for military service and promotion in the armed
forces.
(Article 54)
A council entitles "The National Defense Council" will be established. It will
be headed by the president of the republic and tasked with evaluating
affairs concerned with means of securing the country and its safety. The
law will stipulate its other responsibilities.
(Article 55)
The police are a civil order body whose responsibility is to serve the
people. The police guarantee for the people tranquility and security and
provide for the maintenance of order, public security and morals,
according to the law.
(Article 56)
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces deals with the administration of
the affairs of the country. To achieve this, it has directly the following;
1- Legislation
2- Issuing public policy for the state and the public budget and
ensuring its implementation
3- Appointing the appointed members of the People's Assembly
Council
4- Calling the People's Assembly and Shoura Councils to enter into
normal session, adjourn, or hold an extraordinary session, and
adjourn said session
5- The right to promulgate laws or object to them
6- Represent the state domestically and abroad, sign international
treaties and agreements, and be considered a part of the legal
system of the state
7- Appoint the prime minister and his deputies, ministers and their
deputies, as well as relieve them from their duties
8- Appoint civilian and military employees and political
representatives, as well as dismiss them according to the law;
accredit foreign political representative
9- Pardon or reduce punishment, through blanket amnesty is granted
only by law
10-Other authorities and responsibilities as determined by the
president of the republic pursuit to laws and regulations. The Council
shall have the power to delegate its head or one of its members to
take on its responsibilities
(Article 57)
The Cabinet of Ministers and the ministers shall assume executive
authority in all that pertains to them, and the Cabinet in particular will be
responsible for;
1- Participate with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to put in
place public policies of the state and supervise their
implementation, according to the laws and resolutions of the
republic
2- Direct, coordinate, and follow the work of the ministries and their
related fronts, in addition to public institutions and bodies
3- Issue administrative and executive orders according to laws,
regulations, and decisions, and see to their implementation
4- Prepare draft legislation, regulations and decrees
5- Prepare a draft public budget for the state
6- Prepare a draft public plan for the state
7- Contract and grant loans according to the constitutional principles
8- Note the implementation of laws, preservation of state security,
and protection of citizen rights and state interests
(Article 58)
It is not permissible for a minister during his tenure to engage in an
independent profession, buy or rent anything using state money, rent out
or sell anything with state money, or barter with state money
(Article 59)
The president of the republic, after taking into account the opinion of the
cabinet, can announce a state of emergency as stipulated in law. He must
present this announcement to the People's Assembly Council within the
seven subsequent days to decide its view on this matter. If the state of
emergency is announced in a period of recess, the Assembly must be
called back to session immediately to review the matter, taking into
account the time limit mentioned above. If the People's Assembly Council
is dissolved, the matter will be reviewed by the new Assembly at its first
meeting. A majority of the members of the People's Assembly Council
must agree to the announcement of state of emergency. In all cases, the
announcement of a state of emergency will be for a limited time period
not exceeding 6 months. It is not permissible to extent it, except after a
people's referendum on the matter and their agreement to an extension.
(Article 60)
The members of the first People's Assembly and Shoura Councils (except
the appointed members) will meet in a joint session following an invitation
from the Supreme Council of Armed Forces within 6 months of their
election to elect a provisional assembly composed of 100 members which
will prepare a new draft constitution for the country to be completed
within 6 months of the formation of this assembly. The draft constitution
will be presented within 15 days of its preparation to the people who will
vote in a referendum on the matter. The constitution will take effect from
the date on which the people approve the referendum.
(Article 61)
The Supreme Council of Armed Forces will continue directly with its limited
responsibilities following this announcement, until a time at which the
People's Assembly and Shoura Councils assume their responsibilities and
the president of the republic is elected and assumes his position.
(Article 62)
All laws and regulations decided upon before the publication of this
announcement remain valid and implemented; however, it is possible to
cancel laws or amend them according to the rules and procedures adopted
in this announcement.
(Article 63)
This announcement will be published in the official gazette and will be in
effect the day following its publication.
After reviewing the constitutional declaration issued in 13th February 2011,
And results of the referendum on the constitutional amendments of 19th
March 2011, where were announced in 20th March 2011,and in consideration of the statement issued by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces in 23rd March 2011, The Supreme Council of Armed Forces has decreed the following;
(Article 1)
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a democratic state based on citizenship. The
Egyptian people are part of the Arab nation and work for the realization of
its comprehensive unity.
(Article 2)
Islam is the religion of the state and the Arabic language is its official
language. Principles of Islamic law (Shari’a) are the principal source of
legislation.
(Article 3)
Sovereignty is for the people alone and they are the source of authority.
The people shall exercise and protect this sovereignty, and safeguard the
national unity.
(Article 4)
Citizens have the right to establish associations, syndicates, federations,
and parties according to the law. It is forbidden to form associations
whose activities are opposed to the order of society or secret or of
militaristic nature. No political activity shall be exercised nor political
parties established on a religious referential authority, on a religious basis
or on discrimination on grounds of gender or origin.
(Article 5)
Public property is protected, and its defense and support is a duty
incumbent on every citizen, according to the law.
Private property is safeguard, and it is not permitted to impose
guardianship over it expect through means stated in law and by court
ruling.
Property cannot be seized expect for the public benefit and in exchange
for compensation according to the law, and the right inheritance is
guaranteed.
(Article 6)
Law applies equally to all citizens, and they are equal in rights and general
duties. They may not be discriminated against due to race, origin,
language, religion, or creed.
(Article 7)
Personal freedom is an natural right, safeguarded and inviolable, and
except in the case of being caught in the act of violation, it is not
permitted for anyone to be detained or searched or to be freedom
restricted, or movement prevented, except by a warrant order compelling
the necessity of investigation or to safeguard the security of society. This
warrant order shall be issued by a specialized judge or the general
prosecutor, according to the law. The law also determines the period for
which one may be detained.
(Article 8)
Every citizen who is arrested or detained must be treated in a way that
preserves his/her human dignity. It is forbidden to be abused psychically
or morally, and forbidden to be detained in places outside of those
designated by the prisons law. Any statement proven to be extracted from
a citizen under threat will not be counted.
(Article 9)
Homes are protected and it is not permitted to enter or search them
without a warrant according to the law.
(Article 10)
The life of citizens has special sanctity protected by law, as do messages
sent by post, fax, telephone, or other means of communications, where
secrecy is guaranteed. It is not permitted to confiscate, read or censor
them, except by court ruling and for a limited time, according to the law.
(Article 11)
The state guarantees the freedom of creed, and practicing religious rites.
(Article 12)
Freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and every person has the right to
express his opinion and publish it spoken, written, photographed, or other
form of expression within the law. Personal criticism and constructive
criticism are a guarantee for the safety of the national development.
(Article 13)
Freedom of the press, printing, publication and media are guaranteed, and
censorship is forbidden, as are giving ultimatums and stopping or
canceling publication from an administrative channel. Exception my be
made in the case of emergency or time of war, allowing limited censorship
of newspapers, publication and media on matters related to general safety
or the purposes of national security, all according to law.
(Article 14)
It is not permitted for any citizen to be denied residence in a particular
area, nor requiring him to reside in a particular place, except in cases
designated by law.
(Article 15)
It is not permitted to expel a citizen from the country or forbid him from
returning, or to give up political refugees.
(Article 16)
Citizens have the right or private assembly in peace without bearing arms
or need for prior notice. It is not permitted for security forces to attend
these private meetings. Public meetings, processions and gatherings are
permitted within confines of the law.
(Article 17)
Any attack on the personal freedom or sanctity of life of citizens or other
rights and general freedom guaranteed by the constitution and law is a
crime, which will be followed by a criminal or civil suit according to the
statute of limitations. The state guarantees fair compensation for whoever
experiences such an aggression.
(Article 18)
Public taxes will instituted and their amendment or cancellation will take
place by law. No one will be excluded from taxation except in cases stated
in law. It is not permitted for anyone to charge another pay taxes or fees
except within the bounds of law.
(Article 19)
Personal penalty. There will be no crime or penalty except according to
the law. Punishment will not take place except by judicial ruling, nor will
punishment occur for acts that take place before enactment of the
relevant law.
(Article 20)
The accused is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law that
guarantees for him defense. Every accused in a crime is required to have
an attorney to defend him.
(Article 21)
Litigation is a safeguarded and guaranteed right for all people, and every
citizen has the right to resort to his natural judge. The state guarantees
close association of judicial apparatuses with litigants, in addition to a
speedy trial of matters. The text of law forbids any action or
administrative decision from being absolved of judicial oversight.
(Article 22)
The right to defend one's self in person or by proxy is guaranteed. The law
guarantees those unable monetarily to defend themselves to resort to the
judiciary for means to defend their rights.
(Article 23)
Anyone arrested or detained will be notified of the reason for his
detestation immediately. He has the right to contact whomever he desires
and inform them of the arrest and seek help, according to the law. It is
necessary that accusations be announced with haste, and the detained
has the right to appeal in from of the judiciary to determine the
circumstances in which his personal freedom was suspended. The law
organizes the right to present a grievance in order to guarantee a decision
in a limited time period, or else the detainee's release is inevitably
released.
(Article 24)
Laws are issued and executed in the name of people. Suspension or
avoidance of their execution on the part of public employees is a crime
punishable by law. The plaintiff has the right to bring the criminal case
directly to a specialized court.
(Article 25)
The President of the State is the president of the republic. He shall assert
the sovereignty of the people, respect for the constitution and sovereignty
of the law, and defense of national unity and social justice, according to
means stipulated in this Announcement and the law.
He shall undertake upon assuming his position responsibilities referred to
in article 56 of this announcement, except for what is stipulated in
provisions 1 and 2 of the article.
(Article 26)
It is required for whoever is elected president of the republic to be an
Egyptian who has never held another citizenship, born of two Egyptian
parents who have never held another citizenship enjoying his political and
civil rights, not married to a non-Egyptian, and not falling under the age
of 40 years.
(Article 27)
The president will be elected directly by general secret ballot. To be
nominated for the presidency of the republic, a candidate must be
supported by 30 members at least of the elected members of the People's
Assembly and Shoura Council, or the candidate may be obtain the support
of at least 30,000 citizens, who have the right to vote, in at least 15
provinces whereby the number of supports in any of the provinces is at
least 1,000
In all cases, it is no permissible to support more than one candidate, and
the law will stipulate the procedures for this matter. Every political party
with members who have won at least one seat by way of election in either
of the People's Assembly or Shoura Council in the last elections may
nominate one of its members of the presidency.
(Article 28)
A supreme judicial commission named the "President Elections
Commission" will supervise the election of the president republic
beginning with the announcement of the opening of candidate nomination
and ending with the announcement of the election result.
The commission will be composed of the president of the Supreme
Constitutional Court as the head, and a membership made up on the
president of the Cairo Appeals Court, the most senior deputies of the
president of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the most senior deputies
of the president of the Court of Cassation and the most senior deputies of
the president of the State Council
The Commission's decisions will be final and carry the force law, and will
not subject to objections from any party, in the same manner as it is
forbidden for the decisions to be stopped or canceled. The purview of
Commission will be by law. The Commission will form committees to
supervise voting and counting according to the stipulations in article 39.
Draft legislation for presidential elections will be shown to the Supreme
Constitutional Court before being issued to determine the extent of
compliance with the constitution.
The Supreme Constitutional Court will issue its decision on this matter
within 15 days of receiving the draft legislation. If it decides that the text
is unconstitutional, more work must be done before the law can be issued.
In all cases, the decision of the Court will be obligatory for all authorities
of the state, and will be published in the official gazette within three days
of being releases.
(Article 29)
The period of presidency is four years beginning from the date of
announcing the result of the election, and the president of the republic
may no run for more than one additional presidential term.
(Article 30)
The president will take the following oath before the People's Assembly
before assuming his position " I swear to God that I will faithfully preserve
the republican order, that I will respect the constitution and the law, and
look after the interests of the people comprehensively, and that will
preserve the independence of the nation and the safety of its land"
(Article 31)
The president of the republic will appoint within a maximum of 30 days
after assuming his duties at least one vice president and determine his
responsibilities, so that in the case of his stepping down from the position
of the president, another will be appointed on his place. The conditions
that must be met by the president will apply, as will rules governing the
accountability for vice presidents of the republic.
(Article 32)
The People's Assembly Council will be composed of a number of members
determined by law to be at least 350, half of whom at least will be
Workers and Peasants. The members of the People's Assembly Council will
be elected by a direct, public and secret election. The law stipulates the
definition of a Worker and Peasant, as well as the electoral districts that
the state will be divided into. It is possible for the president of the republic
to appoint in the People's Assembly a number of the members, not to
exceed 10.
(Article 33)
Immediately upon election, the People's Assembly Council will assume the
authority to legislate and determine the public policy of the state, the
general plan for economic and social development, and the public budget
of the state. It will also oversee the work of the executive branch.
(Article 34)
Term of the People's Assembly Council will be five years starting from the
date of its first assembly.
(Article 35)
The Shoura Council will be composed of a number of members determined
by law no to be fewer than 132 members, two-thirds of whom will be
elected by direct, public and secret voting (at least half workers and half
peasants), and one-third of whom will be appointed by the president of
the republic.
The law determines the electoral districts for the Shoura Council.
(Article 36)
Term of the Shoura Council membership will be 6 years.
(Article 37)
The Shoura Council will assume its responsibilities upon election. It will
study and recommend what it views as necessary to preserve support for
national unity and social peace and protect the foundational elements of
society and its highest values, in addition to rights, freedoms and general
obligations. The Council will consider the following;
1- The project of general planning for economic and social
development
2- Draft laws referred by the president of the republic.
3- Whatever the president of the republic refer to the Council on
subjects related to the state's public policy or policies related to the
Arab and foreign affairs.
The council will notify the president and the People's Assembly Council of
its opinion on these matters.
(Article 38)
The law will govern the right of candidacy for the People's Assembly and
Shoura Councils according to the determined electoral system including at
a minimum the participation of women in both assemblies.
(Article 39)
The law determines the conditions that must be met for members of the
People's Assembly and Shoura Councils, stipulating electoral and
referenda provisions. A supreme commission made entirely of judges will
assume the responsibility of supervision elections of referenda, from the
determination of electoral schedules to the announcing of election results,
all as regulated by law. Voting and the counting of votes will take place
under their higher councils, and the decision in the process of choosing
them will undertaken by the supreme commission.
(Article 40)
The Court of Cassation will be designated to determine the integrity of the
membership of the People's Assembly and Shoura Councils, and
objections will be presented to the court within 30 days of the
announcement of elections results. The Court will rule on the objection
within 90 days of receiving it. The membership is considered void on the
date which the two assembles are informed of the Court's decision.
(Article 41)
Electoral procedures will being within months of the state of this
Announcement. The Shoura Council will assume its duties with elected
members, upon his election, the president of the republic will appoint the
final third of the Council's membership, who will serve out of the
remainder of the term of the Council as regulated by the law.
(Article 42)
Every member of the People's Assembly and Shoura Councils will swear to
conduct work in accordance with the following oath in front of his
legislative body " I swear to God that I will faithfully preserve the safety of
the nation and the republican order, that I will look after the interests of
the people and respect the constitution and the law"
(Article 43)
It is not permissible for any member of the People's Assembly or Shoura
Councils during his tenure to busy or rent anything using state money, or
to rent out or sell anything with said money, or barter with it or enter into
a contract with the state as an entrepreneur, importer, or contractor.
(Article 44)
It is not permissible to remove the membership of any members of the
People's Assembly or Shoura Councils unless he has lost confidence and
esteem, or any of the condition of membership, or his position as Worker
or Peasant based on which he was elected, or if he has breached any of
responsibilities of membership. A decision to remove membership must be
issued by a two-thirds majority of the respective assembly.
(Article 45)
It is not permissible in any case except that of flagrant violation to take
any criminal proceedings against a member of the People's Assembly or
Shoura Councils, except with prior permission from his assembly. In the
case of the assembly's recess, permission will be taken from the head of
the assembly and will be subsequently presented to the assembly upon
resumption of work.
(Article 46)
Judicial authority is independent and invested in courts of different
varieties and degrees. Rulings will be issued according to the law
(Article 47)
Judges are independent and not subjected to removal. The law regulates
disciplinary actions against them. There is no authority over them except
that of the law, and its not permissible for any authority to interfere in
their issues or matters of justice.
(Article 48)
The State Council is an independent judicial body that specializes in
adjudication of administrative disputes and disciplinary claims. The law
determines its other responsibilities.
(Article 49)
The Supreme Constitutional Court is an independent and autonomous
judicial body, uniquely tasked with judicial oversight over the
constitutionality of laws and regulations. It deals with the interpretations
of legislative texts, all as stipulated in the law. The law also designates
other responsibilities for the Court and regulates the procedures followed
in front of it.
(Article 50)
The law determines judicial bodies and their responsibilities and regulates
their formation, in addition to stipulating conditions and procedures for
appointing their members and their transfer.
(Article 51)
The law regulates the military judicial system and stipulates its
responsibilities in line with constitutional principles.
(Article 52)
Court sessions are to be public except in the case that the court decides to
make them secret in the interest of public order or morals. In all cases,
the verdict is announced in a public session.
(Article 53)
The armed forces are the property of the people. Their mission is the
protection of the country and the safety and security of its lands. It is not
permissible for anybody or group to establish military or paramilitary
formations. The defense of the country and its land is sacred
responsibility, and conscription is mandatory according to the law. The law
stipulates the conditions for military service and promotion in the armed
forces.
(Article 54)
A council entitles "The National Defense Council" will be established. It will
be headed by the president of the republic and tasked with evaluating
affairs concerned with means of securing the country and its safety. The
law will stipulate its other responsibilities.
(Article 55)
The police are a civil order body whose responsibility is to serve the
people. The police guarantee for the people tranquility and security and
provide for the maintenance of order, public security and morals,
according to the law.
(Article 56)
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces deals with the administration of
the affairs of the country. To achieve this, it has directly the following;
1- Legislation
2- Issuing public policy for the state and the public budget and
ensuring its implementation
3- Appointing the appointed members of the People's Assembly
Council
4- Calling the People's Assembly and Shoura Councils to enter into
normal session, adjourn, or hold an extraordinary session, and
adjourn said session
5- The right to promulgate laws or object to them
6- Represent the state domestically and abroad, sign international
treaties and agreements, and be considered a part of the legal
system of the state
7- Appoint the prime minister and his deputies, ministers and their
deputies, as well as relieve them from their duties
8- Appoint civilian and military employees and political
representatives, as well as dismiss them according to the law;
accredit foreign political representative
9- Pardon or reduce punishment, through blanket amnesty is granted
only by law
10-Other authorities and responsibilities as determined by the
president of the republic pursuit to laws and regulations. The Council
shall have the power to delegate its head or one of its members to
take on its responsibilities
(Article 57)
The Cabinet of Ministers and the ministers shall assume executive
authority in all that pertains to them, and the Cabinet in particular will be
responsible for;
1- Participate with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to put in
place public policies of the state and supervise their
implementation, according to the laws and resolutions of the
republic
2- Direct, coordinate, and follow the work of the ministries and their
related fronts, in addition to public institutions and bodies
3- Issue administrative and executive orders according to laws,
regulations, and decisions, and see to their implementation
4- Prepare draft legislation, regulations and decrees
5- Prepare a draft public budget for the state
6- Prepare a draft public plan for the state
7- Contract and grant loans according to the constitutional principles
8- Note the implementation of laws, preservation of state security,
and protection of citizen rights and state interests
(Article 58)
It is not permissible for a minister during his tenure to engage in an
independent profession, buy or rent anything using state money, rent out
or sell anything with state money, or barter with state money
(Article 59)
The president of the republic, after taking into account the opinion of the
cabinet, can announce a state of emergency as stipulated in law. He must
present this announcement to the People's Assembly Council within the
seven subsequent days to decide its view on this matter. If the state of
emergency is announced in a period of recess, the Assembly must be
called back to session immediately to review the matter, taking into
account the time limit mentioned above. If the People's Assembly Council
is dissolved, the matter will be reviewed by the new Assembly at its first
meeting. A majority of the members of the People's Assembly Council
must agree to the announcement of state of emergency. In all cases, the
announcement of a state of emergency will be for a limited time period
not exceeding 6 months. It is not permissible to extent it, except after a
people's referendum on the matter and their agreement to an extension.
(Article 60)
The members of the first People's Assembly and Shoura Councils (except
the appointed members) will meet in a joint session following an invitation
from the Supreme Council of Armed Forces within 6 months of their
election to elect a provisional assembly composed of 100 members which
will prepare a new draft constitution for the country to be completed
within 6 months of the formation of this assembly. The draft constitution
will be presented within 15 days of its preparation to the people who will
vote in a referendum on the matter. The constitution will take effect from
the date on which the people approve the referendum.
(Article 61)
The Supreme Council of Armed Forces will continue directly with its limited
responsibilities following this announcement, until a time at which the
People's Assembly and Shoura Councils assume their responsibilities and
the president of the republic is elected and assumes his position.
(Article 62)
All laws and regulations decided upon before the publication of this
announcement remain valid and implemented; however, it is possible to
cancel laws or amend them according to the rules and procedures adopted
in this announcement.
(Article 63)
This announcement will be published in the official gazette and will be in
effect the day following its publication.
Prime Minister Essam Sharaf E: Mail Address.
| E-mail The Prime Minister |
 |
| “It will be a pleasure to receive your communications through this e-mail. Your comments and opinion, on our policies and programmes, are encouraged. We are keen to benefit from your input to enhance the ability to deliver the best for the public...” |
| Dr. Essam Sharaf |
| pm@cabinet.gov.eg |
Egyptian Cabinet of ministers
Egyptian Cabinet of Ministers
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