**Egyptian Definition of Refugee and Asylum Seeker Status: A Major Breakthrough in Migration Policy**
The current debate in the Egyptian House of Representatives on a proposed refugee law marks a significant breakthrough in the country’s migration policy. The bill, once adopted, will outline the asylum procedure in Egypt, providing a robust legal framework for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers.
At the heart of the bill is the precise definition of refugee status. According to the bill, a refugee is defined as any foreigner who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence due to a well-founded fear of persecution related to his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a specific social group, political opinion, or due to external aggression, occupation, or any other event that seriously threatens public security in his or her country of origin. This broad and inclusive definition reflects Egypt’s commitment to protecting those forced to flee their country due to serious circumstances.
In addition, the proposed law defines an asylum seeker as any foreigner who has submitted an asylum application to the competent committee for refugee status, but whose application has not yet been decided. This clear distinction between refugees and asylum seekers is essential to ensure adequate protection for those who need it most.
The proposed law also provides for clear mechanisms for submitting asylum applications and specific deadlines for their processing. Depending on the circumstances of the applicant’s entry into Egyptian territory, deadlines for a decision vary, ranging from six months for legal entry to one year for illegal entry. In addition, asylum applications submitted by particularly vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, unaccompanied children, or victims of trafficking, torture or sexual violence, are given priority in processing.
Once a decision has been taken on the asylum application, the competent committee grants refugee status or rejects the application. In the event of a rejection, removal measures may be taken, subject to the rights and guarantees provided by law. This approach, which reconciles the protection of refugees with national security imperatives, demonstrates Egypt’s commitment to reconciling its international obligations to protect refugees with its national interests.
In conclusion, the proposed refugee law in Egypt marks an important step in protecting people fleeing persecution and violence.. By clarifying the criteria for granting refugee status, establishing clear deadlines for processing asylum applications, and paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups, this law consolidates Egypt’s commitment to the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. A significant step forward that deserves to be welcomed and supported.