Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry participated Tuesday in a virtual roundtable organised by the Kemet Boutros Ghali Foundation for Peace and Knowledge, over the implications of the novel coronavirus pandemic on migration, refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people.
Shoukry emphasised that Egypt has always been a country of destination and transit for refugees and asylum seekers for many years. He added that there are about 5 million refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt, noting that the Egyptian government ensured that their lives won’t be impacted by the pandemic, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ahmed Hafez.
“Egypt did not undertake any measures to deport migrants to their home countries. We continued to ensure that they are included in any aid provided and in health care systems,” Shoukry stressed.
He highlighted the ongoing cooperation with the relevant United Nations organisations to maintain the provision of basic services and health care to migrants in Egypt.
