Egypt launches fourth national plan to combat illegal migration for 2024-2026

CAIRO – 10 October 2024: Egypt launched on Thursday the fourth national action plan to combat and prevent illegal migration for 2024-2026, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

During the launch ceremony, Madbouly delivered a recorded speech, stating that this occasion reflects the strong national political will and the steadfast commitment of Egypt in combating the serious challenge of illegal migration.

He emphasized that all societies around the world in both advanced and developing countries today face the illegal migration phenomenon.

Madbouly said while migration has always been a global phenomenon that shapes and diversifies societies, its illegal form, often done in unsafe ways and harsh conditions, casts its shadow on individuals and countries and negatively affects economic, social, and security conditions.

MULTI-AXIS PLAN

The fourth national action plan is based on several key pillars, all aiming to reduce the push and pull factors that drive some towards illegal migration, Madbouly stated. These pillars include prevention, protection, reintegration, governance, as well as regional and international cooperation.

The plan’s axes aim to raise awareness of the risks of illegal migration and provide safe alternative opportunities for youth, and strengthen and build the capacities of young people as well as and national entities combating migrant smuggling crime.

The plan will involve various national partners from government entities, the private sector, civil society, as well as regional and international partners, he added.

These efforts are part of building a strong and prosperous society that enables its citizens to achieve their dreams and aspirations within or outside their country's borders through safe means that respect their dignity and preserve their lives, Madbouly said.

He emphasized that illegal migration is a joint phenomenon that no country can tackle alone, calling on the international community to intensify cooperation and joint efforts to support countries in combating and preventing illegal migration.

Madbouly noted that Egypt has hosted over 9 million migrants in recent years, with this figure surging due to recent incidents in the region.

PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS

A key aspect of the new action plan includes focusing on protecting the rights of migrants and ensuring their dignity, the prime minister said.

“Our country believes that the issue of illegal migration must be addressed in a way that respects human rights and complies with international laws and conventions,” he stated.

Madbouly affirmed that the plan prioritizes the protection of migrants, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, and is committed to providing the necessary protection and care for them.

Achieving the goals of this plan requires the concerted efforts of all parties, including the government, civil society institutions, the private sector, and continuous support from our international partners, he added.

The plan constitutes the executive arm of the National Strategy on Combating Illegal Migration (2016-2026).

The strategy, launched in 2016, targets the most vulnerable groups at risk of exploitation by smugglers and aims to deter and punish migration brokers and traders through strict measures and penalties.

The strategy involves all relevant entities in combating and raising awareness of illegal migration.