Egypt toughens penalties for human trafficking

CAIRO – 10 October 2024: The Egyptian law number 22 of 2022, which amends certain provisions of the Anti-Illegal Immigration and Human Smuggling Law (Law number 82 of 2016), aims to combat illegal immigration and protect vulnerable groups—such as youth, children, and their families—from exploitation by traffickers.

The legislation introduces severe penalties to deter and punish human smuggling brokers through strict measures.

According to Article 6 of the law, anyone convicted of human smuggling, attempting to smuggle, or facilitating such actions will face imprisonment for a term of no less than five years and fines ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 EGP, or a fine equal to the value of any benefit gained from the crime, whichever is greater.

The penalties are even harsher under certain conditions, with imprisonment of no less than five years and fines ranging from 500,000 EGP to 1 million EGP (or an equivalent amount to the benefit gained) if any of the following circumstances apply:

- Organized Crime: The offender established, organized, or managed a criminal organization for the purpose of human smuggling, or acted as a leader or member of such a group.

- Transnational Crime: The crime has a transnational character.

- Multiple Offenders: The crime involved multiple perpetrators or was committed by an individual carrying a weapon.

- Public Officials: The offender is a public servant or tasked with public service, exploiting their position to commit the crime.

- Endangering Lives: The crime threatens the lives of the migrants being smuggled or poses a risk to their health, or constitutes inhumane or degrading treatment.

- Subsequent Benefit: The offender gained a subsequent benefit from the smuggled migrants or their relatives.

- Vulnerable Victims: The smuggled migrant is a woman, child, person without legal capacity, or person with a disability.

- Fraudulent Documentation: The crime involved using forged travel or identification documents, or utilizing someone else's documents.

- Improper Use of Vessels: The crime involved using a vessel contrary to its designated purpose or established routes.

- Repeat Offenders: The offender has previously committed the crime as outlined in the first paragraph of this article.