In response to the current situation in the Gaza Strip, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced a dedicated Google form as the exclusive method for Egyptians stranded in Gaza to register their desire to return home.
Stranded individuals are required to complete the Google form with accurate personal details, including passport information, national ID card, birth certificate, marriage contract, and other relevant documents. The form emphasizes the need for each applicant to be an Egyptian citizen, with separate forms to be submitted for each family member.
Ahmed Abu-Zeid, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry, explained that centralizing repatriation requests through a single mechanism—this Google form—aims to streamline and expedite the process. The new approach replaces the previous method, which involved submitting requests through a WhatsApp number and dedicated email addresses managed by the Egyptian representation office in the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and the consular sector of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The move underscores the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a quick and efficient repatriation procedure for Egyptian citizens and their families affected by the ongoing military actions in the region. The ministry also issued a cautionary note, urging individuals in Gaza to use the official online platform and discouraging any attempts at fraudulent activities or exploitation of the challenging circumstances.
Upon receiving the data, the ministry plans to compile a comprehensive list, which will be directly shared with the authorities responsible for the Rafah border crossing on both the Egyptian and Palestinian sides. This collaborative effort aims to facilitate the safe passage of citizens from the Gaza Strip into Egyptian territory.
In a recent statement, the foreign ministry reiterated that Cairo bears sole responsibility for the repatriation of Egyptians in the Gaza Strip, dismissing media claims suggesting that Israel would have any authority in approving or denying their return.
