Egypt

27 March 2025

The US funding freeze announced in January 2025 has contributed to global funding shortages, forcing UNHCR to suspend some services, particularly healthcare for refugees in Egypt. Over 20,000 patients have been affected, as all medical treatment – including cancer surgery, chemotherapy, heart surgery, and medication for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension – has been suspended, except for life-saving procedures. The most affected are the 1.5 million Sudanese refugees in Egypt, including over 670,000 registered refugees, fleeing the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces that began in April 2023. While refugees in Egypt are generally well integrated and have access to the national health system, most cannot afford the required fees for treatment, leaving them dependent on humanitarian aid. Protection services have also been affected, with projects such as child protection and initiatives to combat violence against women and girls among those cut. (UNHCR 25/03/2025, Reuters YouTube 09/04/2025, ACW 21/03/2025)

13 November 2024

Since the start of the conflict in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces in mid-April 2023, Egypt has received more than 1.2 million Sudanese people, making it the largest host country of Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers. Of this number, more than 537,000 were registered with UNHCR by 31 October 2024. The influx in Sudan is already putting pressure on Egypt’s resources and infrastructure, and the refugees continue to need access to education, employment, healthcare, and protection services. Sudanese refugees seeking entry into Egypt continue to face entry restrictions, including a visa requirement since May 2023 and additional requirements for a security clearance and consular visa since September 2024. Such restrictions have forced many into risky, costly irregular crossings, further increasing their protection needs. (UNHCR 08/11/2024, TNA 11/11/2024, UNHCR 04/11/2024)

19 June 2024

By May 2024, Egypt was hosting at least 500,000 refugees from Sudan, who fled the conflict that started in April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. By 31 May, more than 367,000 refugees were registered with UNHCR. The majority were hosted in urban areas in Alexandria, Aswan, and Cairo governorates. Most lacked proper documentation and legal status and faced significant protection issues, including detention and deportation risks. Entry and residence regulations, such as the visa requirements that the Egyptian authorities started requiring on 10 June 2023, complicate the refugees’ legal status and restrict their ability to seek asylum. The process of securing and renewing residence permits inside Egypt is considered complex, limiting refugees’ access to essential services and goods, including shelter, food, health services, and education. (UNHCR 29/05/2024, TNH 25/04/2024, Le Monde 16/04/2024)

17 July 2023

Sudanese refugees in Egypt need shelter and housing assistance given the rise in rent prices. The increased demand for accommodation following an influx of refugees from Sudan has led landlords to raise rent prices for refugees. Refugees unable to pay are asked to leave or face electricity and water cuts. (The New Arab 17/07/2023, MEMO 17/07/2023)

16 June 2023

More than 120,000 Sudanese people are trapped on the Egyptian border in Wadi Halfa city and are unable to receive the visas needed to enter Egypt. Most lost have lost their travel documents, such as passports, because of conflict or are unable to have them renewed after expiry. They need documentation assistance to seek asylum in Egypt. (AP 16/06/2023

11 June 2023

Restrictions for people fleeing Sudan through Egypt’s southern border crossings, Argeen and Qustol, have increased following new regulations imposed by the Government. Starting 10 June, all people seeking refuge from Sudan are required to obtain a visa, regardless of their age, gender, or nationality. Women, children under 16, and elderly people over 60 previously did not require visas. In Wadi Halfa on the Sudanese side, access to passports and emergency travel documents has been further limited, and people queuing for visas outside the Egyptian consulate were attacked by Sudanese police on 12 June. Conditions at the border crossing are deteriorating with long delays, high temperatures, and a lack of food, water, and WASH facilities. As at 28 May, over 210,000 Sudanese nationals have fled to Egypt since the start of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April. The new arrivals in Egypt need mental health and psychosocial support, legal assistance, and healthcare services. (UNHCR 09/06/2023, Al Jazeera 11/06/2023, Egyptian Streets 12/06/2023)

04 May 2023

Between 15 April and 7 May 2023, over 65,000 Sudanese people crossed the Qustul border into Egypt, mostly into Aswan province. 300,000 Sudanese people are estimated to enter Egypt in the next six months. Transportation costs to reach the Egyptian borders have increased tenfold, reaching USD 400. People have experienced many delays in crossing to Egypt because of immigration officials’ procedures, with the added difficulty of travelling without food, water, or healthcare services. Elderly people have been the most vulnerable, and at least one person has died at the border. New arrivals need food, water, shelter, NFIs, and healthcare services. They also need psychosocial support because of high stress levels after escaping the conflict and taking on a difficult journey. As at March, Egypt hosted more than 290,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including nearly 60,000 people from Sudan. (MEE 27/04/2023, HI 04/05/2023, UNHCR 18/03/2023)