Egypt launches 4th plan for combating irregular migration

Ahram Online , Thursday 10 Oct 2024

Egypt's National Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP) launched its fourth national action plan on Thursday.

Egypt
File Photo: 11 governorates in Egypt have the largest number of irregular migrants. Photo: AP

 

The plan, which runs from 2024 to 2026, is part of a broader strategy to combat illegal migration, which was first launched in 2016 and is set to continue through 2026.

The announcement was made by Ambassador Naela Gabr, the chair of NCCPIM &TIP, during a ceremony held in Cairo under the auspices of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The strategy focuses on safeguarding vulnerable groups from exploitation by smugglers, seeking to prevent and penalize irregular migration brokers through stringent measures while enhancing the capabilities of governmental agencies responsible for its implementation.

In a recorded speech during the launch ceremony, Madbouly said that although migration is a global phenomenon that shapes and diversifies communities, it often has negative social, economic, and security repercussions when done illegally. 

“The fourth national action plan comes at a time marked by unprecedented global and regional challenges, as the world and the Middle East have witnessed significant transformations and multiple crises in recent years, leading to increased pressures and internal burdens on all countries, including Egypt,” he added.

Madbouly pointed out that these challenges led to a surge in migrant and refugee flows into Egypt, exacerbating the phenomenon of irregular migration and increasing the state’s commitments towards preserving its security and stability while protecting vulnerable groups and their human rights.

Egypt has hosted more than nine million migrants in recent years, he said, with this number increasing recently due to the tensions in the region.

Sudanese, Syrians, Yemenis, and Libyans constitute 80 percent of the refugees living in Egypt, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Despite the significant pressures and financial burdens, Madbouly underscored Egypt’s commitment to providing essential services, including education and healthcare, to migrants while facilitating the work of international organizations operating in the country to support them.

The fourth action plan includes prevention, protection, reintegration, governance, and cooperation at the regional and international levels, he noted.

Moreover, as part of this national strategy, Egypt has introduced a new sub-programme, Together We Build a Sustainable Future 2024-2027, which focuses on enhancing community awareness about the dangers of illegal migration and its negative societal effects.

Madbouly explained that the newly launched plan seeks to provide sustainable, safe alternatives for youth while continuing security efforts to uproot human smuggling networks.

According to Madbouly, raising awareness about the dangers of illegal migration is one of the plan’s main goals along with enhancing youth opportunities and engaging both national and international partners to combat this phenomenon.

The prime minister highlighted that addressing illegal migration requires effective international cooperation, urging the global community to intensify efforts to prevent this alarming issue.

Speaking of the youth, he also clarified that providing decent job opportunities and training to prepare them for the labour market is essential to prevent illegal migration.

Madbouly, accordingly, called on companies and institutions in the private sector to contribute by offering training programmes and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance development opportunities, providing real alternatives to youth who might otherwise resort to illegal migration.

No boats carrying migrants have left the Egyptian coasts since the migration strategy launch in 2016.

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