Egypt is enhancing its cooperation with the EU to confront illegal migration by “expanding programs to support youth economically and prepare them for the labor market.”
Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine el-Kabbaj said on Saturday that illegal immigration is a real challenge to nations, aside from the development challenges they face that threaten the youth and their moral, professional, and family stability, who are not protected.
Kabbaj explained that illegal migration presents additional economic and social burdens on countries and people hosting immigrants and refugees.
The Egyptian government held a workshop in Cairo on the best practices for returning and reintegrating immigrants in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, the National Committee to Combat Illegal Migration, the EU, and the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex).
In 2019, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi directed the Ministry of Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs to coordinate with the relevant authorities to launch the “Survival Ships” initiative to raise awareness of the risks of illegal migration.
The initiative aimed to achieve a decent life for Egyptians, protect them from the dangers of illegal immigration, and increase awareness of the risks of migration among students.
According to the Egyptian government, Kabbaj confirmed that the Social Solidarity ministry is intensifying its efforts in the poorest areas by expanding cash support programs.
The number of beneficiaries increased from 1.7 million families in 2014 to 5.2 million in 2023, with 22 million citizens.
The families will also be integrated into health insurance services, free education for their children, and food and commodity support cards to the beneficiaries.
It would also enhance the economic empowerment programs by providing financing, loans, and vocational and technical training to qualify youth cadres for the labor market.
The Council of Ministers also referred to the role of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in addressing the effects of immigration, including receiving groups returning from abroad, integrating them into rehabilitation programs for the labor market, and reintegrating them into society.
The government is developing a comprehensive intervention plan for each individual through an integrated perspective that considers the psychological, family, social, and economic aspects and family stability.
The Ministry of Social Solidarity is implementing development programs on citizenship, focusing on spreading awareness of the dangers of illegal immigration, said the Minister, noting that it allows for proactive steps.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons confirmed that the workshop aims to benefit from the experiences of other countries.
Head of the National Committee Naela Gabr said that the event helps prepare a national mechanism to clarify the role of each ministry and national committee.
