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Egypt’s Public Prosecutor Mohammad Shawki ordered the inclusion of individuals convicted under final, enforceable rulings for failing to pay court-ordered alimony on travel ban and watch lists, the prosecution said.

The move is part of broader state efforts to enforce family court rulings and ensure that wives and children receive their legally mandated financial rights.

The Public Prosecution said the decision falls within its constitutional and legal mandate to implement judicial rulings, stressing that the measure is intended to uphold the binding authority of court judgments and protect the rights of beneficiaries, particularly women and children.

It urged those convicted in such cases to promptly settle outstanding payments to avoid further legal measures permitted under the law, adding that it will continue to take all necessary steps to enforce rulings, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard legally protected rights.

In a related measure, the Ministry of Justice said earlier that certain government services would be suspended for individuals convicted of failing to pay alimony, as part of efforts to compel compliance with court rulings.

The ministry said the decision applies only to cases where a final, enforceable conviction has been issued under Article 293 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes failure to pay alimony.

Under the measure, access to some government services linked to the individual’s professional or economic activity will be suspended until outstanding dues are paid, either directly to beneficiaries or through Nasser Social Bank, depending on the case.

The ministry stressed that the suspension is temporary and will be lifted immediately upon full repayment and submission of proof of financial clearance, after which services will resume without delay.

It added that the measures aim to support family stability, protect the rights of wives and children, and ensure the timely delivery of alimony payments in line with social justice principles.

Egypt is preparing a sweeping overhaul of its decades-old family law, as authorities move to tighten enforcement of alimony and child support rulings amid persistent complaints over delays and weak compliance.

The draft unified personal status law, still under discussion, aims to consolidate a fragmented legal framework dating back to laws issued between 1920 and 2000, including legislation governing marriage, divorce, custody, and litigation procedures.

The reform push comes as the state introduces stricter enforcement measures against alimony defaulters, including travel bans and suspensions of certain government services, to ensure that wives and children receive court-awarded financial support.

Officials say the proposed law will introduce faster litigation timelines, stricter penalties for non-payment, and improved mechanisms to track and enforce financial obligations.

It is also expected to expand digital integration between courts and state institutions, including Nasser Social Bank, which administers alimony payments through the Family Insurance Fund.

The draft law is also expected to revisit custody and visitation rules, standardize procedures across courts, and introduce clearer requirements for financial disclosure to ensure fair alimony assessments.

The government has framed the reform as part of broader efforts to strengthen family stability and social protection, with a particular focus on safeguarding the rights of women and children.

Source: Al-Ahram Online