Original Source: www.dw.com
In a chilling step towards tightening its grasp on the flow of refugees, Egypt is on the brink of enacting a new asylum law that pulls authority away from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and places it firmly in the hands of Egyptian policymakers. This move, envisioned to accommodate a staggering 9 million displaced individuals from areas like Sudan and Syria, raises eyebrows among human rights advocates, who see it as a blatant infringement on basic rights and protections for vulnerable populations.
As Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi prepares to approve the draft law—”regulating foreigners’ asylum in Egypt”—the implications are becoming clearer. The law outlines strict criteria for refugee status, placing immense pressure on those seeking safety who must now align not just with the laws of Egypt but also shed any potential political identity. For Mona, a young Sudanese fleeing violence, the fear looms large that her very existence in Cairo could be tantamount to defying Egyptian tradition, a claim she finds unfathomable given her quest for peace and normalcy.
Critics argue that this legislation not only strips the UN of its role in safeguarding refugee rights but also exposes individuals to the whims of a potentially harsh and undefined concept of “national security.” Drifting through a sea of policy changes, the ghosts of many unregistered refugees haunt the alleys of Cairo, relying on meager support from nonprofits and their communities. With no clear legal language to guarantee them safety from forced deportation, many face insurmountable risks, especially amid rising tensions sparked by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Furthermore, the law reflects Egypt’s ambitions to establish itself as a key player in migration management, pressured by European partners keen on curbing illegal immigration trends. Facing repercussions from the ongoing Gaza crisis, Egypt’s leaders wish to create their own narrative around asylum seeking, hoping to deter an influx of Palestinian refugees while managing existing populations. 22 human rights organizations have already joined forces to condemn the draft law, warning that its sweeping definitions could unjustly penalize those seeking refuge, all while the Egyptian government touts its efforts to harmonize domestic laws with international asylum protocols.
Ultimately, as Egypt stands on this pivotal cusp of legislative change, it drags the hopes and dreams of millions along, bringing with it an uncertain future that teeters between the promise of stability and the specter of exclusion. The new asylum law might be branded as a protective measure, yet beneath this veneer lies the harsh reality of narrowed paths towards safety for many.
In 2023, Egypt has become a critical host for refugees, absorbing vast numbers from regions embroiled in conflict. With the refugee population swelling to roughly 9 million, predominantly from Sudan and other surrounding nations, the Egyptian government has increasingly sought to establish its own framework for dealing with asylum requests. By shifting control from the UNHCR to national authorities, Egypt aims to redefine its obligations while navigating regional crises, managing public sentiment, and maintaining its strategic alliances with European nations that favor stringent migration policies.
As Egypt prepares to unveil its new asylum law, the resonance of its impact is felt deeply among the refugee communities and international observers alike. Created under the guise of providing structure and control, the law reflects a broader tightening of migration policies that could lead to increased risks for those seeking haven from persecution. While some herald it as a necessary step for national oversight, the cries of displaced souls and the allegations of human rights violations urge a more humane and inclusive approach, lest Egypt forsakes a vital element of its humanity in pursuit of political security.
