Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ratified on Wednesday a 15 percent increase in pensions for retired government workers, which was passed by parliament earlier this month, state news agency MENA said.

Pensioners now will receive a minimum increase of EGP 150, and a maximum increase of EGP 832, in order to reach a minimum pension of EGP 900,

Plans to introduce the new rise were announced by President El-Sisi in March when he raised the minimum wage for state workers to EGP 2,000 a month, up from EGP 1,200.

The new increase will come into effect as of 1 July.

The government said that the decision aims to help pensioners improve living conditions and combat rising prices.

The measure will cost the state's coffers more than EGP 28 billion and will benefit around 10 million citizens, according to the social solidarity ministry.