The Egyptian parliament is mulling the replacement of prison sentences with community service for inmates convicted of minor offenses. The aim is to reduce the cost of incarcerations and ease prison overcrowding by having offenders work in small and medium-sized enterprises rather than occupy jail cells.

The parliament is preparing to debate a draft law in its next session, due to start in October. Mohamed Abu Hamed, the parliamentarian sponsoring the legislation, told Al-Monitor, that his bill is expected to pass.

“Those who commit minor offenses that did not cause great harm to the state or to individuals will be allowed to replace their prison terms with working for civil society organizations or factories,” Abu Hamed explained. “Inmates who are imprisoned for being late in paying their debts will be permitted, according to the draft law, to work, and half of their salaries will be directed toward the repayment of their debts.”

Abu Hamed further stated, “[The legislation will] introduce radical reforms to Egypt’s judicial system and provide a chance to those, especially young people, who have committed misdemeanors that did not cause great harm to the community to not be stigmatized and to not lose the opportunity to work or live their lives properly like after being released from prison.”