Ashraf AboArafe
Today, the eighteenth of December, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the international community celebrate International Migrants Day. Egypt takes this opportunity to shed light on the rights of migrants and the challenges they face, as well as their contributions to the societies in which they live.
Despite the challenges that migrants face in some host societies, they are also a source of development in those societies. Their experience and skills contribute to the development of the economies of the host countries, as well as their contributions to the development of their home country through their financial transfers and expertise.
Egypt is always keen to respect its international obligations towards the issue of immigrants, as it addresses it from a comprehensive perspective that takes into account the development dimension and supports legal immigration, while working to address the root causes that lead to illegal immigration. The Egyptian vision is also based on the importance of achieving development at home, so that immigration is an option and not a necessity, by qualifying young people and building their capabilities in accordance with the requirements of the internal and external market, as well as not preventing immigrants from working in a way that prevents their exploitation.
The Egyptian state also deals with the issue of migrants through a strategic vision that balances the considerations of being a source, destination, and transit country at the same time, taking into account the principles included in the International Covenant for safe, orderly, and regular migration.
Egypt receives about 9 million immigrants and refugees who left their country for various reasons and found a safe haven in Egypt, where they live side by side with Egyptians, enjoying basic services and freedom of movement.
In accordance with Egypt’s Vision 2030, and consistent with Egypt’s relevant international obligations, the Egyptian government established a national mechanism, which is the National Coordinating Committee to Combat and Prevent Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking, to coordinate between all ministries and agencies in order to adopt a comprehensive approach that ensures integration of efforts between all state institutions on issues. Migration and linking it to development priorities. Legislation has also been enacted that deals with illegal immigration and combating human trafficking, and relevant national strategies have been developed with the aim of raising awareness of the two crimes and building the capabilities of all agencies concerned with them.
Addressing the issue of migration requires cooperation, global participation, solidarity, and shared responsibility. It also requires partnership with countries of origin, transit, and destination, and regional and multilateral organizations, ensuring the establishment of clear and fair rules on asylum and migration, reducing forced displacement, promoting integration, and also leading to the promotion of tolerance and the dissemination of a culture of peace. Understanding and accepting others.
