Egypt has enacted its first asylum law, aiming to regulate refugee and asylum seeker management amid a growing migrant population.
Signed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the law introduces measures such as requiring irregular migrants to apply for asylum within 45 days and criminalizing housing refugees without notifying authorities.
The law has faced criticism for its security-focused approach, including provisions granting the government broad powers to act against refugees during crises. Rights groups warn the law could undermine protections and lead to arbitrary denial of asylum claims.
With over 845,000 registered refugees and more than nine million migrants in Egypt, the law shifts refugee registration from the UN Refugee Agency to Egyptian authorities. Critics argue it was rushed without consulting civil society or international bodies.
Amid economic challenges and an influx of refugees fleeing conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, Egyptian officials have called for increased international aid to support health and education services for migrants. Rights groups, however, urge the government to align the law with international standards.
