Sudanese refugees in Egypt are grappling with a new legal requirement and growing xenophobia as they seek safety from the ongoing conflict in their homeland.
The recent surge in Sudanese refugees has strained Egypt’s resources and heightened tensions.
A new law requires all undocumented migrants to regularize their status by the end of September, creating significant hurdles for many.
Abdallah Bahr, a Sudanese refugee, waited for hours outside the UN refugee agency in Cairo to receive asylum identification cards.
His family arrived in Egypt in January, fleeing the war in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.
The asylum cards offer some legal protection but do not fully shield refugees from rising xenophobia and the risk of arrest.
Bahr’s wife, Afrah Idris, expressed fears about potential police stops and the inability to obtain residency cards due to lengthy processing times.
The war in Sudan, involving al Burhan-controlled SAF and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced over 10 million people.
The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 500,000 Sudanese have sought refuge in Egypt since the conflict began.
Egypt’s recent legal changes and increased security operations have created a tense environment for refugees. Amnesty International reported mass arrests and deportations, exacerbating the crisis.
Social tensions have also risen, with some Egyptians blaming refugees for economic strain. The influx has led to increased rental costs and difficulty accessing services, adding to the challenges faced by the displaced.