Author(s)

Abstract

Citation: Al-Shawarby, S., Omar, N., Abdel Fattah, D., & Tharwat, I. (2026). Influx of Refugees in Egypt and Their Integration in Social Protection Programs. Journal on Migration and Human Security, 0(0). 

Summary: This paper proposes practical options for extending sustainable social protection to refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) in Egypt by leveraging Takaful and Karama (TKP), Egypt’s flagship poverty-targeted cash transfer program. Drawing on a desk review and 16 key-informant interviews, it argues that moving from fragmented humanitarian assistance to predictable, development-oriented support is feasible and necessary, provided reforms protect poor Egyptians, remain fiscally credible, and strengthen social cohesion. Two implementable designs are assessed: (i) phased inclusion of eligible RAS into TKP through district pilots and gradual benefit harmonization under transparent poverty-targeting rules; and (ii) a ring-fenced “TKP for Refugees” (TKP4R) window that uses TKP delivery systems (targeting, payments, management information systems, and grievance mechanisms) but maintains separate financing and accounting to safeguard resources for Egyptian beneficiaries. The paper outlines governance and multi-year financing required to operationalize either option.