Egypt Daily News – The lawsuit filed by Egyptian lawyer Hani Sameh represents a significant challenge to the recent decision by the General Administration of Passports and Immigration, which requires certain women, particularly those classified as housewives, diploma holders, and unemployed individuals, to obtain prior permission to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Sameh argues that this decision is discriminatory and violates the principles laid out in the modern Egyptian constitution, which protects the rights of women and prohibits discrimination based on gender, social class, or occupation.
In his urgent lawsuit, Sameh asserts that the travel restrictions imposed by the Passport Department unfairly target specific groups of women and undermine their freedom to move and travel without undue interference.
He emphasizes the need for the administration to treat all citizens equally, without regard to their social or economic status, and to abolish any practices that classify individuals based on their professions or gender.
The lawsuit aligns with the broader objectives of promoting gender equality and social justice in Egyptian society, reflecting the aspirations of many advocates for women’s rights following the June Revolution.
It calls for a rigorous examination of policies that discriminate against women and reinforces the need for a legal framework that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Sameh’s action is not just a legal challenge but also a significant assertion of women’s rights in Egypt, seeking to highlight and rectify systemic inequalities that persist in travel and immigration policies.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for women’s freedoms in Egypt, signaling a potential shift away from outdated norms that restrict women’s agency in making personal decisions related to travel and work.
