Egypt increases social support for 9 mln families to face global economic crises

Egyptian government has allocated 11 billion pounds ($53 million) as exceptional aid over the upcoming six months to support about nine million families during the current global economic crises.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has directed on Tuesday the government to disburse one billion pounds monthly for the next six months as exceptional aid to nine million families, according to the statement.

The presidential spokesman stated that the meeting between the president and the ministers has dealt with following up the efforts of social protection measures to confront the repercussions of the current global economic crisis.

In addition to that he provided two million subsidised food boxes will be available per month by half price from Egyptian Armed Forces’ food markets.

al-Sisi directed the expansion of social protection measures by increasing the number of benefiting families for the Solidarity and Dignity program by adding an additional one million families to the program.

Recipients will include the families who receive less than 2,500 pounds per month, as well as the state employees whose monthly salaries are less than 2,700 pounds.

The number of citizens benefiting increased to more than 20 million citizens nationwide.

The meeting held with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Ali Moselhy; Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Mahmoud Tawfik; Minister of Interior, Mohamed Maait; Minister of Finance, and Nivine El Kabbag; Minister of Social Solidarity.