Cairo, In a significant move aimed at regulating the status of foreign residents, the Egyptian cabinet has extended the grace period for an additional year, allowing unlawful foreigners more time to legalize their residency. This decision, taken during a recent cabinet meeting, reflects Egypt’s efforts to manage its foreign population more effectively and ensure compliance with national regulations.
In August 2023, the Egyptian government issued a decree mandating that all foreigners residing in Egypt without valid residence permits must legalize their status by March 15, 2024. This deadline was later extended to June 30, 2024. The most recent cabinet decision now provides an additional year, setting the new deadline at June 30, 2025.
Foreign residents who wish to legalize their status are required to pay a $1,000 fee and submit documentation from an Egyptian host. This measure is designed to ensure that all foreign residents are accounted for and have legitimate reasons for their stay in the country.
According to international estimates, foreign residents make up approximately 8.7% of Egypt’s population, with around 9.1 million foreigners from 133 different countries currently residing in the nation. This figure includes 646,291 registered refugees and asylum seekers from 62 countries, as reported by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Legalizing residency status comes with several benefits for foreign residents in Egypt. Those who comply with the new regulations will continue to have access to essential services provided by state institutions. These services include healthcare, education, and legal protections, ensuring that foreign residents can live and work in Egypt without fear of legal repercussions. Moreover, lawful residents will have greater opportunities for employment and business activities. A valid residency permit can also facilitate travel and re-entry into Egypt, providing greater stability and security for foreign nationals and their families.
On the other hand, foreign residents who fail to legalize their status by the new deadline will face significant consequences. According to the decree, those who do not comply will lose access to services provided by state institutions. This includes the denial of healthcare, education, and other public services, which could severely impact their quality of life. Additionally, unlawful residents may face legal action, including fines and potential deportation. The Egyptian government has emphasized that these measures are necessary to maintain order and ensure the safety and security of all residents, both foreign and domestic.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other international bodies have acknowledged Egypt’s efforts to manage its foreign population. However, they also emphasize the importance of ensuring that the process of legalizing residency is fair and accessible to all foreign nationals.
