Egypt said irregular migration by its citizens to Europe fell 67 per cent this year, as it highlighted efforts to expand legal labour routes and address the causes of migration.
The foreign ministry said Egypt had launched seven labour mobility programmes for trained Egyptian workers in seven European countries. The schemes aim to create opportunities for young people and promote safe, regular migration, it said.
The ministry said 2026 would mark 10 years since boats carrying irregular migrants had departed from Egypt for Europe. It credited a broader strategy — including efforts to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking — with helping to curb departures.
Egypt had secured more than $500 million in international funding for migration governance projects, as well as nearly $50 million for a joint programme supporting migrants, refugees and host communities, the ministry said. It also cited 179 training and capacity-building activities.
The statement said Egypt hosted millions of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants fleeing regional crises, providing essential services without setting up refugee camps. It warned that reduced international aid was widening the gap between available resources and growing needs.
Egypt called on the international community to provide sustained financial and technical support and address the causes of irregular migration and displacement, particularly armed conflict.
The ministry said the country had completed a legal and institutional framework governing asylum, in line with national legislation and international commitments.
