The decision follows directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi earlier this month to fast-track family-related laws covering Muslims and Christians, in addition to legislation governing the Family Support Fund.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, chairing the weekly cabinet meeting, said the government plans to continue referring family law drafts to parliament on a rolling basis after cabinet review. One more draft remains under discussion, he said, after a second bill was approved this week.
The proposed law consolidates Egypt’s personal status rules into a single framework, replacing provisions currently spread across several laws, some dating back decades. Officials say the overhaul is intended to simplify procedures, reduce disputes, and provide a clearer legal reference for courts and litigants.
The draft law aims primarily to protect and strengthen family cohesion, in line with Article 10 of the constitution, which obliges the state to preserve family stability.
It also seeks to uphold the best interests of the child, as stipulated in Article 80, ensuring protection from all forms of violence and guaranteeing a safe and stable upbringing.
Additionally, the law reinforces gender equality and the protection of women from violence, in accordance with Article 11.
The draft respects the principles of Islamic Sharia as the main source of legislation, particularly in regulating family laws for Muslims, in line with Article 2 of the constitution.
The draft consists of six articles of issuance, a publication clause, and includes 355 articles covering personal guardianship, financial guardianship, and family court procedures, as well as introductory provisions.
Justice Minister Mahmoud Helmy El-Sherif said the bill focuses on streamlining litigation and encouraging out-of-court settlements. It introduces an annex to marriage contracts covering financial arrangements and the marital home, which would carry the force of an enforceable legal document.
The law also requires plaintiffs in alimony, wage, and expense-related cases to submit all claims in a single lawsuit, replacing the current system of filing multiple cases. Alimony claims would remain exempt from court fees, while family prosecution offices would be tasked with verifying defendants’ income.
Other provisions include the creation of enforcement departments within primary courts to handle family rulings, and the use of digital systems to link courts, prosecution offices, and the Family Support Fund to speed up case processing.
The draft introduces electronic visitation options where in-person child visits are not possible and places the child’s interests at the centre of judicial decisions, including where cases are heard and how testimony is taken.
It also recognizes sign language as a valid form of consent in marriage and divorce contracts and allows for the electronic submission of some court applications.
El-Sherif said the legislation is aligned with constitutional provisions on family protection, child welfare, and gender equality, while maintaining Islamic Sharia as the main source of legislation for Muslim personal status matters.
A committee of male and female judges drafted the law over the past year, holding more than 40 sessions, according to the cabinet.
The government has not given a timeline for parliamentary debate, but El-Sherif stated that the changes are part of a wider effort to modernize Egypt’s personal status system and reduce the backlog of family disputes in courts.
He concluded by stressing that the success of the law will depend not only on its provisions but also on proper implementation, public awareness of its objectives, and the commitment of all parties to its spirit as well as its text.
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