Egypt is taking steps to establish a training center in cooperation with the European Union, to sponsor and support the movement of skilled labor and citizens between the two sides.
Egypt Minister of Immigration and Expatriates Soha Gendi said the center would provide all the training needed without any restrictions, bureaucratic complications, and visa problems.
Gendi received the European Union ambassador to Cairo, Christian Berger, within the framework of exchanging experiences in immigration and development.
She indicated that the authorities would establish a headquarters for the center and a website that regulates the transfer of workers.
During the meeting, Gendi lauded the close ties between Egypt and the EU at different levels, reviewing the ministry's efforts in fighting illegal immigration, reintegrating Egyptian workers from abroad, and finding alternative job opportunities.
She referred to the returnees from abroad following the economic crises resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of foreign markets, and the settlement of employment in some countries, reviewing efforts to integrate returnees from Europe into society.
The Minister referred to Egyptian-European talks on providing more opportunities, overcoming various obstacles, and devising a clear map to offer employment opportunities for young people.
They also addressed the youth employment center, which represents a point of communication between the EU and the Egyptian state to facilitate transferring skilled workers and expertise in various fields.
The center follows Egypt's successful cooperation with Germany in the Egyptian-German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (EGC), established in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Regarding the presidential initiative "Life Saving Boats," the Minister explained that work is underway in governorates on illegal immigration routes to find opportunities and appropriate alternatives.
Gendi explained that the ministry's strategy is carried out with funding and an integrated development plan for the 14 governorates identified by the presidential initiative to ensure the elimination of illegal immigration.
The EU ambassador stressed the importance of cooperation with Egypt in migration, noting the necessity of positive implementation of the migration program through a package of up to 60 million euros.
Burger highlighted the need of having youth training centers while providing reliable information about the requirements for jobs and vocational training in the European labor market.
He also discussed supporting Egyptian returnees abroad, focusing on forcible returnees through psychological and social support or by facilitating programs to help in their small projects that generate income.
The Ambassador reviewed several activities carried out by the EU in Egypt, including coordination for a round table in July, noting that all issues relating to illegal migration should be addressed in the upcoming workshop.
