Refugees International Raises Alarm Over Sudanese Refugees’ Plight in Egypt

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

• Between January and March 2024, Egypt deported at least 800 Sudanese refugees, violating international law on non-refoulement.
• Egypt’s 2024 asylum law restricts refugee status, excludes UNHCR involvement, and lacks appeal processes for administrative decisions.
• Refugees struggle with denied education, healthcare access, work permit barriers, and risk of gender-based violence without necessary support services.

Refugees International has raised serious concerns about how Egypt 🇪🇬 is treating Sudanese refugees, shedding light on bleak realities faced by thousands of people fleeing conflict in Sudan 🇸🇩. In their report titled “No Model of Refuge: Sudanese Refugees in Egypt,” released on February 21, 2025, the organization paints a concerning picture of the challenges Sudanese refugees encounter in Egypt. The report outlines significant risks to their rights, safety, and dignity while addressing broader challenges posed by Egypt’s new asylum law, enacted in December 2024.

Sudan’s ongoing conflict has displaced millions of its people, with over 8.8 million internally displaced. Many others seek refuge in neighboring Egypt, only to face a host of new difficulties. Refugees International’s findings highlight not only a lack of support but also active barriers that prevent refugees from accessing safety, as well as their inability to lead stable lives.

Refugees International Raises Alarm Over Sudanese Refugees’ Plight in Egypt

Key Criticisms of Egypt’s Treatment of Sudanese Refugees

One of the most alarming claims in Refugees International’s report is the increasing deportation of Sudanese refugees to Sudan via the Eshkeet border crossing in Wadi Halfa. These forced returns happen despite ongoing conflict in Sudan, putting returnees at grave risk. This action violates the principle of non-refoulement, which is a key rule in international refugee law. Non-refoulement means that no refugee or asylum seeker can be sent back to a country where they risk persecution, violence, or other dangers. Yet, between January and March 2024, at least 800 Sudanese refugees were deported without being allowed to apply for asylum, a practice that directly contravenes this principle.

The situation has become even worse following the introduction of Egypt’s new asylum law. Announced in December 2024, the law shifts the responsibility for refugee matters from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to Egyptian authorities. Refugees International argues that vague provisions about national security in the law allow authorities to exclude or revoke refugee status easily. These provisions, coupled with a lack of input from organizations like UNHCR or any clear transitional measures, create uncertainty. Victims of administrative decisions often have no appeal process, leaving refugees even more vulnerable.

Another disturbing development outlined in the report is the denial of essential services to Sudanese refugees. Many schools that catered to Sudanese children have been closed, making it nearly impossible for refugee children to access education. Hospitals frequently turn refugees away, leaving individuals without vital healthcare, even in emergency cases. Additionally, work permit requirements for refugees remain so difficult to meet that most are unable to lawfully work. This leaves many Sudanese refugees dependent on irregular, low-income jobs where they face exploitation and abuse.

Sudanese women and girls are particularly vulnerable within this challenging environment. Many fled Sudan to escape sexual violence but now find themselves still at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) in Egypt. The report highlights a lack of mental health and psychosocial support (often called MHPSS) services tailored to refugees, leaving survivors of violence without the care they need to process their trauma. This lack of resources deeply compounds their suffering.

Restrictions on Refugee-Led Organizations

One of the few sources of support for Sudanese refugees comes from grassroots, refugee-led organizations. These groups, often run by the refugees themselves, play an essential role in providing aid, connecting individuals to services, and offering a sense of community. However, the new asylum law restricts these organizations further. Many are forced to operate unofficially to avoid government scrutiny, which only limits their ability to help others. Refugees International has expressed concern about this crackdown, which worsens an already fragile situation.

Refugees International’s findings have been backed by other groups, such as Amnesty International, which has reported cases of arbitrary detention and forced deportation by Egyptian authorities. Some Sudanese refugees detained before deportation were reportedly held in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. This further emphasizes the lack of due process and respect for international law on the part of Egyptian authorities.

Broader Context: Egypt’s Refugee Policy and Challenges

Egypt publicly claims to host nine million refugees, but only about 800,000 of them are officially registered as refugees or asylum seekers, most of whom are Sudanese. While economic pressures and limited international funding have placed strain on the country, such realities cannot justify violations of the rights of vulnerable populations. The responsibility to protect refugees remains a commitment under international agreements that Egypt has signed.

The challenges facing Sudanese refugees must be seen against this backdrop of limited resources and increasing hostility within the asylum system. Refugees International has made clear that while international support to host countries like Egypt is critical, governments must nevertheless uphold their international obligations to refugees and asylum seekers.

International Reactions and Recommendations

Egypt’s treatment of Sudanese refugees has not gone unnoticed by the international community. On December 17, 2024, a group of UN human rights experts, including the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, formally criticized Egypt’s new asylum law. Their analysis stated that the law “falls significantly short of international human rights and refugee law.” How the law is implemented will be watched closely as Egypt is tasked with developing its bylaws throughout the first half of 2025. These bylaws will largely determine the fate of Sudanese refugees under the new system.

Refugees International has called for Egypt to address these pressing concerns by aligning its treatment of refugees with international refugee laws. These include the 1951 Refugee Convention and the principle of non-refoulement. The organization also urges the international community to help host countries like Egypt bear the cost of hosting large numbers of refugees. This could mean increased financial aid, infrastructure support, or other resources aimed at bolstering refugee services.

Moving Forward: What Is at Stake?

The coming months will be critical in determining what the future holds for Sudanese refugees in Egypt. Refugees International has encouraged both governments and non-governmental actors to prioritize the protection of refugee rights. As they argue, the new asylum law urgently requires amendments to include more consultation with international organizations, transparent procedures, and an appeal process for those impacted by decisions regarding their refugee status.

Further, improving access to education, healthcare, and basic services for refugees must be a priority. Addressing these humanitarian needs would not only improve conditions for Sudanese refugees but would also ease long-term integration challenges. Refugees need avenues to contribute to and participate in host communities, through fair access to work and meaningful inclusion in society.

Conclusion

Refugees International’s critique of Sudanese refugees’ treatment in Egypt presents a harrowing yet crucially important call to action. Through detailed fact-finding, the report documents systemic failures, including deportations, denial of basic rights, and inadequate support structures. The advocacy group has made clear that safeguarding the rights of Sudanese refugees must be a joint effort involving the Egyptian government and key international partners.

With the bylaws related to Egypt’s asylum law expected soon, the spotlight remains on Egyptian authorities to ensure their system respects international standards. At the same time, international actors must help alleviate the financial and logistical burden on refugee-hosting countries. As the situation for Sudanese refugees unfolds, ongoing advocacy and oversight will be key to making sure their rights, safety, and dignity are protected.

For official information on refugee rights and procedures in Egypt, readers are encouraged to visit the UNHCR Egypt page. Referring to trusted resources ensures clarity and access to accurate guidance about refugee and asylum matters.

Learn Today

Non-refoulement → A principle in international law prohibiting returning refugees to places where they face persecution or serious harm.
Asylum Law → Legal regulations governing the protection and rights of individuals seeking refuge from persecution in a host country.
Bylaws → Specific rules or regulations under a main law, detailing procedures and implementation measures for that law.
Grassroots Organizations → Community-based groups formed and led by affected individuals to address local issues and provide direct support.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) → Violence directed at individuals based on their gender, typically affecting women and girls disproportionately.

This Article in a Nutshell

Sudanese refugees in Egypt face alarming challenges, as documented by Refugees International. Deportations, denial of basic rights, and harsh restrictions under Egypt’s new asylum law jeopardize their safety and dignity. Advocacy groups urge Egypt to uphold international refugee laws while calling on global support to ensure protection and humane treatment for vulnerable populations.
— By VisaVerge.com