Egypt has tightened its entry rules for Syrians, while the Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced on Thursday measures to help Syrians wishing to leave Egypt and return home.
The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority recently directed airlines to stop accepting Syrian passengers from abroad unless they hold a temporary non-tourist residence permit in Egypt. Airlines that fail to comply face fines.
This follows an earlier decision in December barring Syrians with European, Gulf, US, or Canadian residencies, as well as Schengen visa holders, from entering Egypt without prior security clearance, according to the Syrian Community Association in Egypt.
Molhem Al-Khan, Board Director of the Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation, said the restrictions are driven by security concerns, as Egypt seeks to prevent individuals who may threaten national security from entering.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that a lack of security coordination with Syria’s current administration has prompted Egypt to take extra precautions.
Former Egyptian Assistant Interior Minister Farouk Al-Moqrahy said the measures aim to protect Egypt from people linked to banned groups like the Muslim Brotherhood or other extremist organizations.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Moqrahy said the new rules reflect Egypt’s broader efforts to address security risks amid ongoing instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Embassy in Cairo announced free travel permits for Syrians in Egypt who wish to return home but lack valid passports.
In a statement on Thursday, the Embassy said permits are issued the same day without appointments. Applicants need to provide an ID and a photo.
The initiative aims to help Syrians unable to renew their passports and support those eager to return to Syria.
Around 1.5 million Syrians live in Egypt, according to the International Organization for Migration, with 153,000 registered as refugees by the UNHCR.
Following the leadership change in Syria after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, some Syrians in Egypt are preparing to return home. Many have recently visited the Syrian Embassy in Cairo to renew passports or obtain travel permits.
The Embassy now offers free travel permits to make it easier for those wishing to return. Al-Khan said this step is part of efforts by Syria’s interim government to support refugees returning home.
