Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Egypt achieved tangible results and great successes in countering illegal migration thanks to concerted efforts of all bodies concerned, noting the country’s shores have not seen the departure of any illegal migrants’ boat since 2016.
Abdelatty made the remarks in his speech at a ceremony to celebrate the launch of the National Strategy on Combating Illegal Migration for 2024-2026 at the New Administrative Capital (NAC). The speech was delivered by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Nabil Habashi.
The foreign minister added the new strategy comes as part of the ongoing national efforts to combat illegal migration and support the country’s regional and international role in the migration issue, especially amid the current developments in the region.
Abdelatty stated the launch of this strategy falls within the framework of Egypt’s striving to enhance relations with international organizations and donors and comes after signing the joint declaration on the strategic and comprehensive partnership with the EU.
He stressed Egypt’s keenness to fulfil its contractual obligations arising from its accession to relevant United Nations conventions, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime signed in Palermo in 2000, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951.
He went on to say the Foreign Ministry seeks in coordination with different international bodies to manage the great flux of migrants and refugees, in a way that preserves the country’s security and stability, while maintaining their rights and dignity.
In this regard, the foreign minister said Egypt is hosting migrants and refugees from conflict-hit countries and providing a safe and stable environment that enables them to live with dignity and humanity.
Abdelatty said combating illegal migration requires close cooperation among all parties concerned, either at the national or regional or international levels.
He urged all parties concerned with bilateral and multilateral cooperation to support activities for combating illegal immigration, work together to open new labor markets for Egyptians abroad, recognize Egyptian competencies and certificates, and encourage safe migration in all its seasonal and circular forms.
The foreign minister emphasized opening up new labor markets represents one of the sustainable solutions to the problem of illegal immigration, as it provides decent job opportunities for Egyptian citizens and contributes to improving their economic and social conditions.
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