It's going to cost more for foreigners — including refugees — to live in Egypt if pending legislation wins approval.

Human rights groups are concerned by proposed amendments that would allow the government to drastically increase fees on foreigners, their dependents and those accompanying them, such as nannies and tutors.

On June 11, the Egyptian parliament agreed to refer proposed amendments to the law on foreigner residency and entry to two committees in an effort to increase the state’s revenues and push forward the national economy. The plans will be considered by the Defense and National Security Committee as well as the Planning and Budget Committee, with a target of implementing them as of July.

The amendments stipulate that foreigners living in Egypt and working for ministries, government institutions or the private sector shall pay 200 Egyptian pounds ($11) per month — instead of the current fee of 500 pounds ($28) per year — for each of their children, wives, husbands, parents and others as of July 1. Each year, the monthly fees would rise by 100 Egyptian pounds ($5.60) until they reach their maximum of 5,000 pounds ($280) per month, per person, by 2021. Fees would be imposed even on refugees who do not work.