A new legislative amendment submitted to the Egyptian House of Representatives proposes the issuance of official National ID cards to children starting at the age of five. Introduced by MP Mai Karam Gabr and supported by sixty members of parliament, this draft law seeks to fundamentally modernize the existing Child Law by transitioning from traditional paper birth certificates to a secure, photo-verified digital identification system.
The primary philosophy behind this proposal is to align Egypt’s legal framework with the global shift toward digitalization and enhanced security. By providing children with a formal ID card early on, the state aims to establish a more robust and accurate database that simplifies access to educational, health, and social services. Beyond administrative efficiency, the measure serves as a critical protective tool against serious crimes, such as identity theft, document forgery, and child trafficking.
The proposed text mandates that parents, guardians, or care facilities ensure children receive these cards to maintain a verified legal presence. This strategic move ensures that every child possesses a unique, tamper-proof identity from a young age, reinforcing their constitutional rights while allowing the government to monitor and safeguard the interests of minors more effectively in an increasingly digital world.
