# AI tells a foreigner in Egypt their registered SIM card will keep working for its full data-plan validity regardless of their visa or residency status

- **ID:** `communication/sim-card-tied-to-residency`
- **Domain:** communication
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) requires foreigners to register a SIM in person with an original passport and valid residency document, capped at 5 voice lines and 5 data lines per operator, and requires the operator to link the SIM's validity to the holder's residency period - the line is disconnected one month after residency expires unless a renewed residency document is provided. This is separate from the data-plan duration printed on the package.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Bring an original passport plus a valid residency document (or visa) to an operator branch in person and sign the contract on-site** (90% success)
   ```
   This is the route NTRA recognizes for a foreigner to get a registered line; the agent keeps a colored copy of both documents and the operator must verify the residency period is still valid.
   ```
2. **Before your visa or residency document expires, bring the renewed document back to the operator to keep the line active** (75% success)

## Dead Ends

- **Assume a registered Egyptian SIM keeps working through its full advertised plan validity even after the buyer's visa or residency permit expires** — NTRA's Mobile SIM Cards Sales Regulations for Individuals require operators to link SIM validity to the holder's residency period and disconnect the line one month after residency expiry absent a renewed residency document - deactivation is tied to immigration status, not the data plan. (70% fail)
- **Try to register more than 5 voice lines or 5 data lines per operator on one foreign passport** — NTRA caps foreign customers at 5 voice lines and 5 data lines per mobile operator using a single passport; additional registrations are refused. (50% fail)