The government offers Egyptians residing abroad incentives to investment in industry and other sectors in the drive for development.
Let’s think for our country
An initiative Let’s Think for Our Country, organised by the Public Policy Forum of the cabinet Information and Decision Support Centre in co-operation with UNICEF invites experts to submit policy papers in the following areas – boosting exports, attracting foreign direct investment, tourism, remittances from abroad and Suez Canal revenues. Success in these areas could net $83 billion in foreign currency during fiscal year (FY) 2023-2024.
Egyptians Abroad conf.
The Egyptians Abroad Conference in Cairo in early August 2023 learned the state has expats’ interests at heart and that expatriates want to involve themselves in development of the homeland with their expertise.
“The Egyptian state is pressing ahead with efforts to provide all means of support for Egyptians abroad. It is always trying to find out what they need and working to solve any problems they face, whether in their country of residence or inside the homeland,” Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli said in recent remarks to the press.
He also expressed the government’s keenness to help Egyptians abroad maintain connections to their homeland, particularly among second and third generations.
Madbouli noted that the government is also keen to seek the assistance of Egyptian experts and scholars abroad to participate in various aspects of development in the country, and to contribute to the implementation of national projects in different domains.
Minister of Immigration Soha el-Gendi emphasized the significance of merging cultural perspectives while addressing issues related to migration.
She said in recent remarks to the press that the ministry has initiated several programmes targeting the preservation and promotion of the national identity among Egyptian expatriates.
“With approximately 14 million Egyptians living abroad, integrated into diverse communities, it’s imperative to cater to various age groups and their distinct needs,” said Gendi. These initiatives aim to reinforce the connection between overseas Egyptians and their homeland, both in identity and culture.
Revitalising connections with younger generation
Minister Gendi also shed light on her ministry’s endeavours to engage with the second and third generations of Egyptians abroad. By organizing visits and camps, and answering a plethora of questions from young individuals, the ministry aims to acquaint them with their motherland and the concepts of Egypt’s national security.
Camps specially designed for children aged 9 to 16 years from the fifth generation are also part of this initiative. “All of these efforts are geared towards binding these young souls to their homeland,” Gendi noted.
“Speak Arabic” initiative
The new phase of the “Speak Arabic” initiative has been launched to include students from international schools as its target group.
Additionally, an educational and recreational camp has been organized to familiarize them with Arab and Egyptian customs and traditions, thereby solidifying their bond with their motherland.
Launched in 2020, Speak Arabic is a presidential initiative that aims to strengthen Arab-Egyptian identity among second and third-generation Egyptians living abroad.
The initiative strives to improve the children’s Arabic language skills while introducing them to Egyptian heritage, customs, traditions, and values.
Efforts towards constructive dialogue
Moreover, the Emigration Ministry’s commitment to fostering dialogue with young Egyptians abroad was evident through the establishment of the Immigration Ministry’s Centre for Dialogue. The centre aims to create channels of discussion between third and fourth-generation Egyptians abroad, as well as those studying overseas.
The objective is to tie them closer to the Egyptian state and harness their energy, skills, and academic experiences in the ongoing developmental processes, making them essential stakeholders.
“Reviving Roots” Initiative
Minister Gendi referred to efforts under the presidential initiative “Nostos – Reviving Roots.” This initiative celebrates foreign communities in Egypt, like the Greek, Armenian, and Italian communities, among others, that have a rich history of coexistence within Egyptian society.
Highlighting this, el-Gendi pointed out to her recent visit to Cyprus to attend the International Expatriates Conference, where she met several Cypriots. In addition, during her visit to California, the Minister engaged with members of the Armenian community of Egyptian descent. Such endeavours under the initiative underscore the deep ties between the peoples of nations that have lived in Egypt and the welcoming Egyptian society. The bond remains strong, with Egypt holding a special place in their hearts.
In the meantime, Egypt has been home and refuge for migrants from the region and beyond. Now, the Egyptian community is hosting around 6 million migrants.
Egypt works to enhance the engagement of its expatriates worldwide with a vision to maximise their contribution to economic social development, while launching several initiatives to create alternatives and enhance legal mobility for its youth who represents almost third of population.
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