Attachments
OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS
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More than 210,000 Sudanese have fled their country for Egypt since the beginning of the crisis, according to figures received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The latest number of third-country nationals crossing from Sudan into Egypt is 5,565 (28 May).
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On 6 June, UNHCR debriefed the diplomatic community in Cairo on the High Commissioner’s (HC) visit to Egypt, latest operational developments and progress made. The UNHCR Egypt Representative underlined the HC’s three key messages during his mission: appreciation for Egypt’s response to date, the centrality of access to the border crossing points, and the low funding uptake to the Regional Refugee Response Plan.
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New enforcement procedures for admissions were put in place as of June, resulting in Sudanese new arrivals being given a month/single entry visa to Egypt, as opposed to six months/multiple entries. Afterwards, Sudanese nationals can continue to apply for a six-month residency subject to the presentation of a notarized rent contract and further approval by State security. With those changes in place, it is anticipated that an increased number of people will approach UNHCR for registration and other protection services. Furthermore, the Government of Egypt has communicated that as of 10 June, all individuals crossing into Egypt via Sudan will require visas, regardless of age, gender or nationality. This has reportedly led to many people rushing to the border to enter Egypt.
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Egypt signals a major development in refugee policy. On 7 June, the Government of Egypt announced that the Cabinet had passed a new asylum law. UNHCR stands ready to support the Government in setting up and implementing a domestic asylum framework in line with international standards. UNHCR is currently collecting and verifying more detailed information on this and its impact, which will be shared separately.