Since ancient times, Egypt has been a sanctuary for the oppressed and those seeking safety. Religious texts recount the story of the Holy Family seeking refuge in Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution, a story commemorated by Egyptians on June 1st each year, symbolising Egyptian hospitality and the warm reception of refugees. Throughout the ages, Egypt has continued to welcome people fleeing wars and persecution, reinforcing its status as a safe and hospitable haven.
Historical Context of Egypt as a Host Country
Egypt’s role as a host country dates back centuries. Historically, it has served as a sanctuary for those fleeing persecution and conflict. Early arrivals in the last century included Armenians, Russians, Greeks, Italians, Jews, and North Africans. During the Second World War, the country offered shelter to tens of thousands of displaced people, particularly Yugoslavs, Greeks, and Italians. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Egypt continued to provide refuge to a growing number of exiles from the Middle East and Africa, and Palestinian refugees who were uprooted during the conflict surrounding the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and following the 1956 Suez Crisis.
By the end of 1914 and the Ottoman defeat on the Russian front, many Jews moved from Palestine to Egypt, with their number reaching around 60,000 by the end of 1917, mostly in Cairo and Alexandria. The Egyptian government provided the necessary support, and they were unofficially registered. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the Arab-Israeli conflict, about 750,000 Palestinians fled to neighbouring countries, including Egypt, which provided support and assistance in collaboration with UNRWA. In 1949, Egypt established a special administration for Palestinian refugees to oversee their affairs and provide necessary support. Egypt has played a significant role in defending Palestinian refugees’ rights in international forums, supporting UN General Assembly Resolution 194 in 1955, which affirms the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and receive compensation for their losses.
Egypt also played a pivotal role in establishing the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1964, aiming to represent the Palestinian people and defend their rights. In 1979, as part of the Camp David Accords, Egypt emphasised the need to resolve the Palestinian refugee issue as part of any comprehensive peace settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Positive Contributions and Integration Efforts
Egypt has made significant strides in ensuring the well-being and integration of refugees and migrants. The government has been proactive in providing access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Unlike many countries that confine refugees to camps, Egypt allows refugees to live within urban communities, enabling them to integrate more fully into society. The Egyptian government has integrated refugees into the national education system, providing them with the same opportunities as Egyptian students. Similarly, healthcare services are available to refugees, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without discrimination. This approach not only aids in the immediate well-being of refugees but also promotes long-term integration.
Egypt has taken significant steps to foster social integration through cultural exchange programs and community events. These initiatives help build bridges between refugees and local communities, promoting mutual understanding and respect. Egypt is one of the first countries to engage in international protection systems for migrants and refugees, adhering to various international treaties and conventions that safeguard the rights of these populations. This commitment underscores Egypt’s role as a responsible member of the international community dedicated to upholding human rights.
Correlation Between Freedom and Prosperity
The correlation between freedom and prosperity is evident and significant. The Freedom and Prosperity Index by the Atlantic Council emphasises that freedom and inclusive policies are critical for achieving prosperity. Despite Egypt’s lower scores in both freedom and prosperity (46.2 on Freedom & 62.6 on Prosperity ) compared to the MENA region(66.2 on prosperity & 49.8 on Freedom ), the country’s experience with migrants and refugees offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of more open and inclusive markets. According to the IOM, 37% of the migrant population in Egypt is engaged in stable employment, underscoring their positive impact on the labour market and economic growth. This is particularly notable given that the majority of these migrants come from countries with significantly lower levels of both freedom and prosperity for example Syria scores (55.7 on prosperity & 28.6 on Freedom), Sudan is(42.5 on prosperity & 28.6 on Freedom) while Yemen 41.9 on prosperity & 28.6 on Freedom ). The successful integration of these migrants into Egypt’s economy highlights the potential for economic freedom to create opportunities and foster prosperity.
Moreover, about 60% of migrants have been living in Egypt for over 10 years, showing a high level of integration. This long-term integration is a testament to the ability of inclusive policies to facilitate social and economic stability. The fact that such a significant portion of the migrant population has managed to establish stable lives in Egypt, despite the country’s challenges, indicates the potential for further improvements. The Freedom and Prosperity Index outlines that countries with higher levels of freedom tend to experience better overall prosperity. In Egypt, initiatives that promote economic freedom—such as reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses, protecting property rights, and ensuring access to markets—can significantly enhance the country’s prosperity. This approach not only benefits the local population but also maximises the contributions of migrants and refugees, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth.
The experiences of migrants in Egypt reflect the broader trend identified by the Freedom and Prosperity Index: economic freedom is a crucial driver of prosperity. The positive economic contributions of migrants, their successful integration, and the potential for enhanced economic freedom to create further opportunities all underscore the importance of fostering open and inclusive markets. This, in turn, can lead to greater prosperity for all, highlighting the critical role of economic freedom in achieving sustainable development.
Recent Trends and Threats
While migration brings numerous benefits, it also poses significant challenges. Issues such as illegal migration, human trafficking, and potential security threats, including terrorism, are major concerns. The instability in neighbouring regions exacerbates these issues, making it imperative for Egypt to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations. Human trafficking remains a critical issue, and despite the significant progress Egypt has made in recent years in combating trafficking in persons, according to the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, migrants and refugees in Egypt remain vulnerable to trafficking, with many subjected to forced labour and sexual exploitation. The report highlights that Sudanese refugees, in particular, are at high risk due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the restrictive visa policies in Egypt, which have led to increased smuggling and trafficking activities.
The civil war conditions in Sudan have forced thousands to flee to Egypt, yet many of them are irregular migrants who entered the country through smugglers. This situation has led to arrests and deportations of Sudanese refugees. Between January and March 2024, approximately 800 Sudanese detainees were returned, often without the opportunity to claim asylum or access UNHCR services. Hate speech and xenophobia are growing concerns. Campaigns against refugees, fueled by economic hardships and nationalist sentiments, have led to increased hostility and violence. The hashtag #EnoughRefugeesInEgypt has trended on social media, reflecting a sharp escalation in hate speech. Such rhetoric is often echoed by populist leaders and media, contributing to a toxic environment that endangers the safety and well-being of refugees and migrants.
Additional data from news reports highlights the plight of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, who fled the civil war that began in April 2023. Despite initial expectations of a short-term stay, the prolonged conflict has resulted in a steady increase in Sudanese refugees. Many rely on remittances from abroad, but the economic downturn in Egypt, including a depreciating currency and rising living costs, has intensified their challenges. Economic strains have led to increased hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric against refugees. Public figures and media personalities have blamed refugees for economic woes, further fueling tensions. The influx of refugees is often cited as a reason for rising costs of goods and services, although experts argue that these claims are part of a broader narrative to deflect attention from deeper economic issues.
Another significant concern is the potential affiliation of some migrants with terrorist groups. The chaos in conflict zones can make it easier for extremist groups to exploit vulnerable populations. There have been documented incidents in various countries, including the MENA region, where individuals affiliated with terrorist organisations have used migration flows to infiltrate new areas. This presents a dual challenge of ensuring national security while upholding humanitarian principles.
In Egypt, security forces have periodically arrested individuals among the migrant population suspected of having ties to terrorist groups. These arrests highlight the delicate balance that must be maintained between security and humanitarianism. Moreover, crimes committed by some migrants have added to the public’s fears and prejudices. Incidents of theft, violence, and other criminal activities by a minority of the migrant population have been widely publicised, often overshadowing the positive contributions of the majority. Such issues underline the need for comprehensive strategies that address security concerns while fostering an environment of integration and support. Effective vetting processes, community policing, and cooperation with international intelligence agencies are essential to mitigating these risks.
Recommendations for Creating Prosperity and Enhancing Security for All
To achieve the maximum benefits of migration and create opportunities for prosperity while reducing security threats and negative aspects, a comprehensive set of policies and measures is essential. These recommendations aim to balance protecting the rights of refugees and migrants, enhancing their integration into society, and addressing economic and security issues.
Strengthening legal frameworks is critical. Developing robust legal protections ensures that refugees and migrants are safeguarded. This includes deepening cooperation between the UNHCR and law enforcement agencies to accelerate the asylum application process and providing timely and fair assessments to reduce waiting periods and uncertainty for applicants. Implementing programs to regularise the status of undocumented migrants enables them to access employment and social services legally.
Enhancing security measures involves comprehensive border management to prevent illegal migration while ensuring that genuine asylum seekers can safely enter and apply for protection. Utilising technology to improve border surveillance and management, and enhancing intelligence-sharing and cooperation with international and regional partners to identify and mitigate potential terrorist threats associated with migration, are crucial steps.
Promoting social integration is equally important. The Egyptian government has made significant efforts to ensure the rights of refugees and migrants in education and healthcare. The integration of refugees into the national education system, providing them with the same opportunities as Egyptian students, is a prime example. Similarly, healthcare services are available to refugees, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without discrimination. This approach not only aids in the immediate well-being of refugees but also promotes long-term integration.
To support economic opportunities for migrants, the development of job placement and entrepreneurship programs that match migrants’ skills with market needs is essential. Providing training and support to help them start businesses or find employment and offering microfinance options and business grants to migrant entrepreneurs can enable them to contribute to the economy and create jobs. Encouraging partnerships between the government, private sector, and NGOs can create job opportunities and support integration programs for migrants.
Improving the business climate and financial inclusion is another critical aspect. Simplifying and facilitating residency procedures for migrants and refugees can make it easier for them to access the labour market and financial services. Removing regulatory barriers that hinder the establishment and management of businesses by migrants, and promoting financial inclusion by facilitating access to banking services and financing, helps them build a stable economic future.
Combating human trafficking and exploitation involves establishing comprehensive support services for victims, including legal aid, psychological counselling, and safe housing. Providing specialised training for law enforcement officials on identifying and handling cases of human trafficking ensures victims are treated with dignity and respect. Strengthening international cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks and prosecute traffickers is also crucial for effective cross-border efforts. Egypt has made significant strides in combating human trafficking, doubling prosecutions of traffickers, prosecuting complicit officials, and establishing shelters for victims.
Monitoring and evaluating policies through robust data collection and analysis systems to track integration outcomes and identify areas for improvement are vital. Conducting regular reviews of migration policies ensures they remain effective and responsive to changing circumstances, allowing for adjustments based on empirical evidence and stakeholder feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while migration brings both opportunities and challenges, it is crucial for Egypt to adopt balanced and humane policies that protect the rights of refugees while addressing security and economic concerns. By fostering an inclusive market and providing support for the most vulnerable, Egypt can harness the potential benefits of migration while mitigating its risks. This holistic approach can help create a more prosperous and secure future for all, reflecting our commitment to supporting and empowering individuals, enhancing their freedoms, and promoting free markets to unleash the latent energies for creativity, innovation, and prosperity.
By adopting these comprehensive and actionable recommendations, Egypt can enhance the benefits of migration, create opportunities for prosperity, and mitigate security threats and negative aspects. This balanced approach will not only improve the lives of migrants and refugees but also contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the country, setting a positive example for the region and the world in managing migration effectively.
Mohamed Farid is a founding member of the Liberal Club in Cairo and a member of the Egyptian Senate.
