CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed into law May 29 a controversial bill approved by parliament six months earlier that regulates the work of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

The new law has been harshly criticized by human rights organizations, who argue that it cripples the work of NGOs, increases their administrative burdens and sets forth draconian punitive measures against the groups.

Observers say the law restricts the activity of NGOs to performing only those developmental activities needed by the Egyptian government and imposes draconian sanctions on any NGO that violates the government's provisions; the observers say this is tantamount to a breach of human rights.

The new law also prohibits NGOs from carrying out field activities, conducting opinion polls or cooperating with any international bodies without obtaining the required approvals from a newly established body. This body is the National Authority for the Regulation of Foreign Nongovernmental Organizations and includes representatives of Egypt’s top national security agencies such as the General Intelligence Service, the Administrative Control Authority, the Interior Ministry and the Defense Ministry.