The House of Representatives has approved a law that expedites public sector wage hikes and pension increases, an urgent measure announced last week to soften the economic impact of the Ukraine war, Ahram Online reports. The bill brings forward the new remuneration rates by three months, meaning that they will take effect at the beginning of April rather than at the start of the new fiscal year in July. This comes as part of a package of fiscal measures announced by the government last week to mitigate the impact of rising inflation and the recent EGP devaluation on household finances.

The details: Public sector workers covered by the Civil Service Act will receive an 8% raise on their gross monthly salaries at the beginning of April. Civil servants not within the legislation will get a 15% raise. Monthly bonuses will increase by EGP 175-400, depending on the rank. Meanwhile, pension payouts will rise by a minimum of EGP 120 a month.

OFFICIAL SPIN- Parliament’s approval of a law expediting public sector wage hikes and pension increases got attention on Al Hayah Al Youm (watch, runtime 5:07) and Ala Mas’ouleety (watch, runtime 6:24).

Also given final approval:

• Amendments to the law regulating real estate brokers that would see a registry set up for licensed brokers.
• Amendments to the law on illegal migration and people smuggling that will see tougher penalties and a national coordination committee set up.
• Amendments to a law regulating the safety of vessels at sea that will make it mandatory for ship owners to report the sale or rent of their units to the authorities.

What’s next: The amended laws will now be on their way to President Abdelfattah El Sisi to be ratified into law.