Madbouly: Our country’s firm commitment and ongoing efforts to confront the phenomenon of illegal immigration
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, delivered a recorded speech, during the launch ceremony of the National Action Plan to Combat and Prevent Illegal Migration, in the presence of Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairman of the National Coordinating Committee to Combat and Prevent Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking, and a number of ambassadors and representatives of international organizations. Operating in Egypt. Which emerges from the national strategy to combat and prevent illegal immigration. Illegality, which is considered one of the grave challenges faced by all societies in the current era, whether developed or developing.
He added that immigration has always been a global phenomenon that contributes to the formation and diversity of societies, but Illegal immigration, which often occurs in unsafe ways and under harsh conditions, casts a shadow on individuals and countries, and leads to negative repercussions on all economic, social, and security levels.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly stressed that Egypt has come a long way in confronting illegal immigration, through the establishment of the National Coordinating Committee, which developed a comprehensive, integrated vision and effective programs aimed at addressing the roots of this phenomenon and addressing its causes, starting with the enactment of the first law in the Arab region combating the crime of migrant smuggling. And ending with the establishment of a fund to combat illegal immigration and protect immigrants and witnesses, noting that the launch of this plan is the culmination of these efforts, and confirms our continued commitment to achieving security and stability for our people and our society.
He continued: The Fourth National Action Plan relies on several basic axes, all of which aim to reduce the push and pull factors that push some to illegal immigration.
The Prime Minister explained that these axes include prevention and protection. Reintegration, governance, and cooperation at the regional and international levels, as these axes aim to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal immigration and provide safe alternative opportunities for our youth and children. Strengthening and building the capacities of young people and national agencies responsible for combating the crime of migrant smuggling; And the involvement of various national partners from government agencies, the private sector and civil society, as well as regional and international partners, noting that all these efforts come within the framework of striving to build a strong and prosperous society that enables its citizens to achieve their dreams and ambitions within or outside the borders of their homeland in safe ways that respect their dignity and preserve Their lives.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly added that the government, out of its keenness to protect national security, empower youth, promote their rights, and limit the spread of the crime of migrant smuggling, and in line with the national strategy to combat illegal immigration, Legitimacy included a subprogramme to combat illegal immigration in the new government program under the slogan “Together we build a sustainable future 2024-2027.”
He pointed out that the subprogramme focused on Addressing the root causes, enhancing community awareness of the dangers of illegal immigration and its negative effects on individuals and society as a whole, and providing safe and sustainable alternatives for young people, in addition to continuing security efforts to launch pre-emptive strikes on migrant smuggling gangs.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that success in confronting the challenge of illegal immigration depends not only on national efforts, but also requires effective international cooperation, adding: The Egyptian state has been keen to strengthen its relations with friendly and brotherly countries and international organizations, with the aim of exchanging experiences and information. And coordinating efforts to confront this phenomenon at the regional and international levels and opening channels for safe migration for its citizens.
He stressed that illegal immigration is a common issue, and no country can address it. On its own, he called on the international community to intensify cooperation and joint action to support countries’ efforts to combat and prevent illegal immigration.
The Prime Minister continued: The fourth national action plan to combat and prevent immigration comes Illegality in a time context characterized by unprecedented global and regional challenges, as the world and the Middle East region have witnessed in recent years major transformations and multiple crises, which resulted in increased internal pressures and burdens on all countries, including Egypt, pointing to what it witnessed – And it is still witnessing it – The Middle East region has been plagued by crises in several countries that have resulted in an escalation in flows of migrants and refugees to Egypt, an exacerbation of the phenomenon of illegal immigration, and an increase in the obligations placed on the state to preserve its security and stability on the one hand and to protect vulnerable groups and their human rights on the other hand, stressing that we need a strong and effective response from The international community is based on long-term strategic visions and is based on international cooperation and human solidarity.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly pointed out that Egypt has hosted more than 9 million immigrants over the past years, and this has increased The number has increased recently due to the events taking place in the region.
He added: Despite the pressures and costs that this imposes on the state, we are keen to provide various possible services to residents of Non-Egyptians, such as education and health, and the Egyptian government also provides the necessary facilities to the offices of international organizations operating in Egypt and concerned with assisting these immigrants and refugees, stressing that this policy reflects Egypt’s respect for human rights and its keenness to provide a decent life for all without exception.
In this context, the Prime Minister said: On the other hand, we also expect respect for the laws and arrangements that regulate the status of foreigners in Egypt, and we also await quick and tangible support from the international community so that we can continue our efforts in this regard. The matter.
He added that one of the basic aspects of our new plan is to focus on protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring their dignity, as our country believes that addressing the phenomenon of illegal immigration must be done in a way that respects human rights. It adheres to international laws and conventions.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly continued: Hence, the plan places the protection of migrants, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, at the top of its priorities, and is committed to providing protection. And the necessary care for them, and achieving the goals of this plan requires the combined efforts of all parties, from the government, civil society organizations and the private sector, in addition to the continuous support from our international partners.
In this In this regard, the Prime Minister stressed the vital role that the private sector can play in combating illegal immigration, as the private sector represents an essential pillar in supporting the national economy by providing alternative opportunities for young people who may view illegal immigration as the only option.
< p>He explained that providing decent job opportunities, training young people and qualifying them for the labor market, is an integral part of sustainable solutions to the problem of illegal immigration, calling on all companies and institutions in the private sector, based on their social responsibility, to play their full role in this field. By providing training programs and supporting small and medium enterprises, which enhances development opportunities and provides real alternatives for young people.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly called on the private sector to be an effective partner in implementing development projects that work to enhance economic growth in areas that suffer from From the high rates of illegal immigration, by providing job opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs in a way that contributes to improving the conditions of local communities, and reduces the economic drivers of immigration. Thus, the private sector is a major partner in achieving our national goals in combating illegal immigration, and enhances its role as a force. An impetus for economic and social development in Egypt.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the role of the media in educating citizens about the danger of illegal immigration and its repercussions, noting that the media is considered a major partner in combating this phenomenon. By spreading community awareness and enhancing legal culture among youth and families, calling on the media to continue their efforts in this field, and to cooperate with the National Committee to disseminate correct information and facts related to this issue.
At the conclusion of his speech, the Prime Minister extended his thanks and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the preparation and implementation of this important national plan, stressing that teamwork and fruitful cooperation between all parties is the only way to achieve success in facing this great challenge, and that Egypt will remain committed to continuing its efforts in combating and preventing migration. Illegality, and the constant pursuit of sustainable development and well-being for our society and future generations.
