Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has reviewed proposed changes to the country’s building violation settlement system, with the government seeking to make the process easier for citizens while preventing further unlicensed construction. The meeting took place as officials worked on amendments to the law governing how certain properties can be legally registered and brought into compliance.
The review follows instructions from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Egypt Forum 2026. The government considers the issue important because a large number of citizens are affected by the existing system. Some property owners have faced difficulties understanding the requirements, preparing documents or paying the fees needed to settle violations.
Madbouly said the government wanted to correct problems that had emerged during the implementation of the current law. He called for practical concessions that would help more people benefit from the settlement process. The aim is to make procedures simpler without weakening the rules designed to protect public land and ensure proper urban planning.
Recommendations discussed at the meeting included completing the legalisation process within 12 months after the amended law is passed. Officials also considered changing how settlement fees are calculated so that they reflect differences in property values between locations. This could help prevent residents in lower-income areas from facing the same charges as owners of more expensive commercial or investment properties.
Another proposal would distinguish between private homes used by low-income families and buildings intended for commercial or investment purposes. This distinction could allow the government to apply a more flexible approach to households that need legal recognition for their homes but have limited financial resources.
The meeting also examined ways to make payments more manageable. Suggestions included affordable instalment plans, incentives for people who pay early and a reduction in the number of documents applicants must provide. Officials are expected to review the existing paperwork and update the systems used to assess fees and process applications.
The government also wants to improve coordination between ministries and parliament. Madbouly instructed officials to contact members of the House of Representatives who have submitted proposals or amendments to the draft law. The aim is to bring different views together and produce legislation that can be implemented effectively.
The issue involves several government bodies, including the ministries responsible for local development, the environment, agriculture and housing. Their cooperation is necessary because building violations can involve different types of land, property use and planning rules.
The government says the amendments must make it easier for citizens to settle existing violations while preventing new illegal construction. This balance is important because a system that is too difficult to use may discourage people from completing legal procedures, while weak enforcement could encourage further violations.
The next stage will involve completing the legal wording and preparing the administrative systems needed to apply the changes. If approved, the reforms could provide property owners with a clearer path towards legal recognition and give authorities a stronger framework for managing construction and urban development across Egypt.
