Harsher Penalties Introduced for Illegal Construction on Farmland

The Cabinet of Egypt has introduced amendments that would introduce harsher penalties for illegal construction on agricultural land. The amendments to the Agriculture Act of 1966 would punish anyone convicted of unauthorised construction - particularly of non-agricultural structures - with a ban from receiving food subsidies from the government, and could face two to five years in jail alongside a fine of EGP 500,000 to EGP 10 million.

Contractors who participate in illegal construction would also be subject to jail time for two to five years, and jail terms from EGP 100,000 to EGP 3 million.