Egypt severely punishes aiding illegal immigration, experts worry about impact on humanitarian aid
Egypt introduces a law to punish those aiding illegal migrants, raising concerns among experts that it could criminalize humanitarian assistance, while supporters emphasize national security.
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- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 13:26
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(Central News Agency reporter Shih Wan-ching, Cairo, 5th) In response to and to combat the increasing illegal immigration, Egypt recently announced that those who assist illegal immigrants by providing shelter will be punished. Some experts worry that the law's definition of "assisting illegal entrants" is vague, which could criminalize humanitarian assistance; however, others support the government's stance on safeguarding national security.
According to an Egypt Today report on the 2nd, the Egyptian government will, based on the 2016 Law No. 82 "Combating Illegal Migration and Smuggling of Migrants," punish anyone who knowingly arranges or manages shelters for illegal immigrants, gathers or transports illegal immigrants, or provides convenience or any services to illegal immigrants, with imprisonment and fines ranging from a minimum of 200,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately 120,000 New Taiwan dollars) to a maximum of 500,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately 300,000 New Taiwan dollars).
The number of refugees and migrants in Egypt has been continuously rising. Statistics show that by September 2025, Egypt hosted nearly 10 million refugees and foreign migrants, with Sudanese refugees forming the largest group. Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023, over 1 million to 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have fled to Egypt.
In addition to Sudan, other sources of refugees and migrants include Syrians, Yemenis, and Libyans, representing over 100 nationalities.
Seba, a Palestinian woman who entered Egypt over a year ago, told Central News Agency that to receive medical services for her son who was injured in an Israeli air raid, she and her son entered Egypt through international medical organization channels.
However, due to the lack of formal work permits, Seba initially found life in Cairo very difficult. Later, relying on her artistic talent, she made a living by selling her hand-painted glass containers, finding a suitable place to live in downtown Cairo.
Between 2023 and 2025, Egypt continuously strengthened its crackdown on illegal immigration, including increasing arrests and detentions of undocumented migrants and raising the number of repatriations. Al Ahram newspaper has repeatedly reported that the Egyptian government is currently facing immense economic pressure and social burdens, intensifying repatriations of illegal residents, and calling on the international community to share the responsibility of hosting refugees.
Khalid, an Egyptian lawyer, told Central News Agency that Egypt passed a new asylum law in 2024, stating that those who "organize, assist, or finance the provision of hidden places" could be considered accomplices and be charged under Law No. 82 of 2016.
Khalid also pointed out that some legal circles believe the law's definition of "assisting illegal entrants" is vague, which could lead to prosecution of those providing shelter or assistance. This means that not only smuggling groups, but also ordinary civilian helpers (including NGO volunteers or landlords who provide accommodation) could face legal risks.
Khalid added that strict enforcement could also lead refugees to more dangerous routes, such as Libya, and make underground smuggling networks more covert.
The Arab think tank Tharir Institutey stated in an article last May that Egypt's pressure on refugees seems to make it a frontline gatekeeper for Europe to block migrants.
However, some online supporters of the Egyptian government's stance believe that national security must be prioritized, as illegal immigration may be linked to transnational crime or terrorism, as well as human trafficking. Furthermore, Egypt's economy is currently under pressure from the US-Israel war against Iran, with oil and commodity prices soaring, making it truly unable to bear the burden of hosting refugees. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150505
According to an Egypt Today report on the 2nd, the Egyptian government will, based on the 2016 Law No. 82 "Combating Illegal Migration and Smuggling of Migrants," punish anyone who knowingly arranges or manages shelters for illegal immigrants, gathers or transports illegal immigrants, or provides convenience or any services to illegal immigrants, with imprisonment and fines ranging from a minimum of 200,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately 120,000 New Taiwan dollars) to a maximum of 500,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately 300,000 New Taiwan dollars).
The number of refugees and migrants in Egypt has been continuously rising. Statistics show that by September 2025, Egypt hosted nearly 10 million refugees and foreign migrants, with Sudanese refugees forming the largest group. Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023, over 1 million to 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have fled to Egypt.
In addition to Sudan, other sources of refugees and migrants include Syrians, Yemenis, and Libyans, representing over 100 nationalities.
Seba, a Palestinian woman who entered Egypt over a year ago, told Central News Agency that to receive medical services for her son who was injured in an Israeli air raid, she and her son entered Egypt through international medical organization channels.
However, due to the lack of formal work permits, Seba initially found life in Cairo very difficult. Later, relying on her artistic talent, she made a living by selling her hand-painted glass containers, finding a suitable place to live in downtown Cairo.
Between 2023 and 2025, Egypt continuously strengthened its crackdown on illegal immigration, including increasing arrests and detentions of undocumented migrants and raising the number of repatriations. Al Ahram newspaper has repeatedly reported that the Egyptian government is currently facing immense economic pressure and social burdens, intensifying repatriations of illegal residents, and calling on the international community to share the responsibility of hosting refugees.
Khalid, an Egyptian lawyer, told Central News Agency that Egypt passed a new asylum law in 2024, stating that those who "organize, assist, or finance the provision of hidden places" could be considered accomplices and be charged under Law No. 82 of 2016.
Khalid also pointed out that some legal circles believe the law's definition of "assisting illegal entrants" is vague, which could lead to prosecution of those providing shelter or assistance. This means that not only smuggling groups, but also ordinary civilian helpers (including NGO volunteers or landlords who provide accommodation) could face legal risks.
Khalid added that strict enforcement could also lead refugees to more dangerous routes, such as Libya, and make underground smuggling networks more covert.
The Arab think tank Tharir Institutey stated in an article last May that Egypt's pressure on refugees seems to make it a frontline gatekeeper for Europe to block migrants.
However, some online supporters of the Egyptian government's stance believe that national security must be prioritized, as illegal immigration may be linked to transnational crime or terrorism, as well as human trafficking. Furthermore, Egypt's economy is currently under pressure from the US-Israel war against Iran, with oil and commodity prices soaring, making it truly unable to bear the burden of hosting refugees. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150505