Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What is the impact of Egypt's visa rules on Sudanese nationals fleeing the war?

What is the impact of Egypt's visa rules on Sudanese nationals fleeing the war?

Many Sudanese fleeing the 2023 conflict have sought refuge in Egypt especially following the war eruption in Sudan in 2023. But with the recent developments in the visa policies of Egypt, Vulnerable Sudanese families seeking refuge in Egypt are facing increasing difficulties obtaining entry and legal stay due to new visa requirements introduced in mid-2023. To fully understand the impact of these rules, it is necessary to understand their humanitarian, legal and social implications.

Stricter visa requirements and border restrictions

In the past, the citizens of Sudan — especially women and children — could travel to Egypt with minimum visa requirements, particularly women and children. However, starting mid-2023, Egypt started requiring visas to nearly all Sudanese citizens, regardless of gender or age. This change implies that the Sudanese refugees are now required to get the visa at the Egyptian consulates - sometimes difficult to obtain because the embassies are overloaded and the people face difficulties accessing required documents and because the routes to the country are unsafe.

Delays and risks at the border

The tightening of visa rules has resulted in significant delays at border crossings such as Argeen and Qustul. Many Sudanese families are stranded for days or weeks without shelter, food, or medical support. Those unable to secure official entry are forced to seek irregular crossings, placing them at risk of exploitation, human trafficking, and health emergencies.

Humanitarian consequences

According to UNHCR, over half a million Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers currently reside in Egypt, many in precarious conditions without access to healthcare or employment. Pregnant women, unaccompanied children, and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups that have been targeted by the visa crackdown and have further obstacles in obtaining medical and legal services.

Even after entering Egypt, Sudanese nationals struggle to renew residency permits or regularize their stay. Without valid documentation, many face increased risks of detention or legal complications during residency checks. This insecurity generates severe psychological stress and economic hardship, preventing refugees from building a stable future.

Egypt’s justification and international response

Egyptian authorities have cited national security, the strain on public services, and the need to regulate refugee inflows as reasons for tightening visa policies. Nevertheless, the global organizations such as UNHCR and human rights organizations have called upon Egypt to be more accommodative in the humanitarian approach owing to the magnitude of the displacement crisis in Sudan.

Conclusion: A call for balanced policy

Egypt’s visa rules undeniably influence the fate of Sudanese nationals fleeing war. While border control is a sovereign right, overly restrictive measures risk worsening an already devastating humanitarian crisis. A balanced approach—ensuring security while providing humanitarian corridors—remains crucial to safeguard those escaping one of the world’s largest displacement emergencies.

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