The Egyptian government has given foreigners who violate residence regulations until June 30th of the upcoming year to regularize their status.
The government has requested all foreigners residing in the country to visit the General Directorate of Passports, Immigration, and Nationality to regularize their status, renew their residence permits, and obtain the “Smart Residence Card” to ensure they can benefit from all government services provided to them. Additionally, foreigners exempt from residence fees are also urged to register their details at the aforementioned directorate and obtain an exemption card.
This directive is in accordance with the decision of the Prime Minister, with the regulation set to expire on June 30, 2024. After this deadline, dealings and services provided to foreigners who have not obtained their exemption cards from the General Directorate of Passports will be suspended. A final deadline has been set for September 30, 2024, after which all services will be halted until the exemption card is obtained from the General Directorate of Passports.
The government has noted that after the final deadline of September 30, 2024, legal actions will be taken against foreigners who have not obtained the exemption from the General Directorate of Passports and Immigration and will be treated as violators of the country’s residence regulations.
Egypt hosts approximately 9 million international migrants, making up about 8.7% of its population. These migrants originate from 133 countries, with the largest groups coming from Sudan (4 million), Syria (1.5 million), Yemen (1 million), and Libya (1 million), collectively making up 80% of the migrant population in Egypt.
The increase in migrant numbers since 2019 has been attributed to the prolonged instability in neighboring countries, driving individuals from Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Yemen to seek refuge in Egypt. The Egyptian government has been noted for its positive stance towards migrants and refugees, integrating them into national education and health systems and treating them on par with Egyptian citizens.
Syrian migrants, who constitute 17% of the migrant population in Egypt, are particularly noted for their positive contributions to the labor market and the Egyptian economy, with Syrian investors having invested approximately $1 billion in Egypt.
Most of the migrant population is well integrated, with 60% having resided in Egypt for more than 10 years. The Egyptian government, in collaboration with international organizations like IOM, continues to develop mechanisms to ensure the protection needs of migrants and capitalize on their development potential.
