Author(s)

Abstract

This MMC policy paper sheds light on the mixed movement landscape in Egypt, discussing trends, dynamics, and policy developments. Egypt occupies an important position along key mixed movement routes connecting East and the Horn of Africa to Europe, and is situated in an unstable geopolitical setting, with civil conflict in Sudan to the country’s south, instability in Libya to the west, and Israel’s war on Gaza to the east. These factors have shaped Egypt’s prominent role in international migration dialogues and platforms, and its national policies. 

Based on key informant interviews with representatives from UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society in Egypt, and desk research, this paper traces the evolution of Egypt’s migration and asylum policy, while also highlighting where domestic policies are either working in parallel, or have caused tensions, with international commitments made by Egypt to protecting migrant and refugee rights. It identifies where migrants and refugees have experienced obstacles to protection and explores the extent to which some have been driven to engage in onward movements to Libya in the hopes of reaching Europe.