New Law Prohibits Overseas Transfer of Historical Documents

Egypt has just submitted a draft law to establish the General Authority for National Records and Archives, aimed at prohibiting the transfer of historical documents outside the country.

Through the new draft law, the Prime Minister - upon the request of the Authority’s Board of Directors - is able to decide whether any document held by individuals, bodies, or legal persons, public or private, is of national or historical value. In which case, the document’s holder is responsible for its safe keeping.

The holder of the document is also prohibited from transferring it outside Egypt or disposing of it in any form, except with a licence or permission. When disposing of it, the owner must inform the administrator of the deed in writing.