The House of Representatives plans to discuss a draft law on asylum seekers on Sunday.
The government-proposed bill is the first domestic legislation to regulate the affairs of refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt, in line with international conventions to which Egypt is a party.
The draft law includes three prohibitions for those who acquire refugee status.
First, adherence to the constitution, laws, and regulations of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and respect for Egyptian society’s values and traditions;
Second, prohibition of any activity that could harm national security or public order or contradict the goals and principles of the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, or any organization to which Egypt is a party, or committing any hostile act against their country of origin or any other country; and
Third, prohibition of engaging in any political or partisan activity, or any work within trade unions, or founding, joining, or participating in any form in any political party.
Asylum seekers law
The draft law on asylum seekers aims to enhance protection mechanisms and provide a clear and comprehensive legal framework for refugees, while ensuring a delicate balance between the rights of refugees and national obligations.
The House of Representatives’ Defense and National Security Committee, headed by Major General Ahmed El Awady, approved the draft law on asylum seekers in Egypt in late October.
This step reflects the state’s deep commitment to international human rights standards and is a necessary response to global and regional developments.
Egypt aligns with international standards for refugees
The draft law stipulates the establishment of a “Permanent Committee for Refugee Affairs,” which will be a legal entity under the Prime Minister and headquartered in Cairo.
This committee will be responsible for all refugee affairs, including collecting and managing data on refugee populations.
According to the draft law, the committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will cooperate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations concerned with refugee affairs.
It will also coordinate with government agencies to ensure the provision of all forms of support, care, and services to refugees. The implementing regulations of this law will specify its other powers.
