FM says Egypt has made great successes in combating illegal migration

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Egypt has achieved tangible results and great successes in countering illegal migration thanks to joint efforts by all relevant agencies. He noted that no boat of illegal migrants has left the country’s coasts since 2016.

Abdelatty made the remarks in his speech at a ceremony celebrating the launch of the National Strategy to Combat Illegal Migration for 2024-2026 in the New Administrative Capital (NAC). The speech was delivered by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expats Nabil Habashi.

The Foreign Minister added that the new strategy is part of the ongoing national efforts to combat illegal migration and support the country’s regional and international role in the migration issue, especially amid current developments in the region.

Abdelatty stated that the launch of this strategy comes within the framework of Egypt’s efforts to improve relations with international organizations and donors and comes after the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with the EU.

He stressed Egypt’s readiness to fulfill its contractual obligations arising from its accession to relevant United Nations treaties, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime signed in Palermo in 2000, the International Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

He went on to say that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with various international agencies, is trying to manage the large flow of migrants and refugees in a manner that maintains the security and stability of the country, while preserving their rights and dignity.

In this regard, the Foreign Minister said that Egypt hosts migrants and refugees from conflict-affected countries and provides a safe and stable environment that allows them to live with dignity and humanity.

Abdelatty said that combating illegal migration requires close cooperation between all parties involved, at national, regional and international levels.

He urged all parties involved in bilateral and multilateral cooperation to support activities to combat illegal immigration, work together to open new labor markets for Egyptians abroad, recognize Egyptian competencies and certificates and ensure safe migration in to encourage all its seasonal and circular forms.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that opening new labor markets is one of the sustainable solutions to the problem of illegal immigration, as it provides decent employment opportunities for Egyptian citizens and contributes to improving their economic and social conditions.