UNHCR Commends Egyptian Government for Extending Refugee Residence Permits to One Year
UNHCR Commends Egyptian Government for Extending Refugee Residence Permits to One Year
Fadlallah Hassan, 71, fled the ongoing war in Khartoum with his wife and upon arrival in Cairo, they approached UNHCR for registration.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the decision by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior to extend the validity of asylum-based residence permits from six months to one year. This important measure will contribute significantly to enhancing the protection environment for refugees and asylum-seekers in Egypt by promoting greater stability, reducing administrative burdens, and facilitating improved access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, as well as access to birth certificates.
Egypt has long been a haven for refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing conflict and persecution. Today, the country is host to nearly one million registered refugees and asylum-seekers from 61 countries including Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Yemen. By extending the validity of residency permits, the government is ensuring that refugees can maintain legal status more easily, alleviating the need for frequent renewals and the challenges associated with them.
In addition to the residency extension, the Ministry of Interior has announced an increase in the processing capacity at the immigration office in Abbasiya, Cairo, which will now accommodate up to 1,000 individuals per day, up from the previous limit of 600. Coupled with the extended residence permit validity, wait times are expected to reduce over time.
“This is a critical step forward for refugees in Egypt,” said Marti Romero, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Protection in Egypt. “By extending the validity of asylum-based residency, the Egyptian government is improving refugees’ lives in concrete ways. We look forward to continuing our work with the authorities to ensure that refugees and asylum-seekers can fully benefit from this decision and that they are well informed of the required procedures.”
Access to valid residency is vital for refugees in Egypt. It allows them to enroll their children in public schools, ensuring that those who’ve sought refuge from conflict can build a better future. It also facilitates access to national healthcare services.
The extension of residency permits reflects Egypt’s long-standing commitment in supporting refugees who have been forced to flee. UNHCR will continue to work closely with the Egyptian authorities to support the smooth implementation of this decision, while simultaneously mobilizing international support and promoting international responsibility sharing to meet the growing needs of the refugee population.
UNHCR has been providing registration services to refugees and asylum-seekers on behalf of the Government of Egypt since 1954. Following registration with UNHCR, refugees are advised to approach the immigration authorities to obtain a renewable residence permit to regularize their stay in the country.