The national committee following up on Egyptians stranded abroad is working according to a timetable and set of criteria, according to Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram.
During this phase, the ministry is giving priority to those who meet the conditions, particularly Egyptians stranded in Kuwait, she said.
In media statements on Sunday, Makram said the committee has included a number of segments in its plan, including humanitarian cases, expats with expired residency permits, and those whose contracts have terminated.
She added that the dates of repatriation for Egyptian expats who fall in these segments will be announced as soon as possible, once all precautions necessary for their return have been completed.
Makram noted that the ministry has completed all requests and appeals from cases in Kuwait who wish to return to Egypt.
“The committee formed under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly does not differentiate between Egyptians abroad, but we must take into account the positions of all those stranded in all countries without exception,” Makram said.
Early on Monday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced that its forces broke up a riot by Egyptian workers seeking repatriation. The Egyptian nationals were being held in shelters dedicated for those in violation of the state’s residency laws.
According to an official statement, Kuwaiti security forces intervened after riots and chaos broke out and seized several people who were facing legal measures.
Reuters reported that Egyptian embassy representatives in Kuwait reassured workers that repatriation flights were to begin this week. The Egyptian embassy also apologised for the riots, the news agency said.
