The programme, a vital feature of Egypt's social protection system initiated in 2015, is designed to assist low-income families with school-aged children, elderly people, and those with special needs, especially in Upper Egypt, according to the social solidarity ministry.

Morsy has directed the disbursement of cash support under Takaful and Karama programme for August to all beneficiaries, starting 15 August, including those holding Meeza bank cards. 

Beneficiaries can start withdrawing funds through all ATMs available at banks across the country, making electronic payments, and completing all government transactions and purchases, the ministry said.

Morsy emphasized the ministry’s ambitious plan, supported by the political leadership, to eliminate the waiting lists for the programme.

Previously, 73,000 new families were added to the programme in July, and the ministry will continue its efforts to include all remaining families on the waiting lists in the near future.

Meanwhile, the ministry will review families that are no longer eligible for the programme, either due to securing economic empowerment opportunities or changes in income sources.

A total of 5.2 million vulnerable families, covering approximately 22 million citizens, are granted cash support.

Of these families, 4.7 million families are funded by the state budget, with EGP 41 billion allocated for the current fiscal year, while 500,000 families are funded by the National Alliance for Civil and Development Work (NACDW), Minister Morsy said.

Egypt leads the Middle East and North Africa in providing social protection programmes, according to the World Bank’s reports.