Skip to main content

Will 'marriage loans' boost Egyptian nuptials?

Large numbers of Egyptians are unmarried, with many blaming a lack of money, so legislation has been proposed for a loan fund to help young people finance first marriages.
CAIRO, EGYPT - DECEMBER 18: A bride dances during a traditional Egyptian wedding party on December 18, 2016 in Cairo, Egypt. Since the 2011 Arab Spring, Egyptians have been facing a crisis, the uprising brought numerous political changes, but also economic turmoil, increased terror attacks and the unravelling of the once strong tourism sector. In recent weeks Egypt has again been hit by multiple bomb blasts, the most recent killed 26 Christians inside the St Peter and St Paul Church during Sunday mass. As C
Read in 

CAIRO — Before the current session of parliament wraps up in August, Egyptian legislators have the opportunity to make life a little easier for their young fellow citizens who would like to marry and start a family but find doing so economically prohibitive. The parliament's Youth and Sports Committee on Feb. 11 approved a bill drafted by Atta Salim to establish a government-administered fund to provide loans so young couples can afford to marry.

Karam Sabri, 30, a construction worker, told Al-Monitor that his daily wage does not exceed 150 Egyptian pounds ($8.50) and that such a small salary is insufficient to cover the costs involved in getting married. He blames the high cost of living for making his dream of marriage impossible. Sabri supports a marriage fund, in the hope that he can obtain a loan to get an apartment in one of Cairo's suburbs.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.