Egypt: Regulations on Syrians as fears of terrorism grow
Egypt has implemented new regulations on Syrian national entering the country through rising fears of a revitalization of Islamic jihadism.
The Middle East Monitor reported on January 5 that Egypt have Syrians can only enter the country on temporary, non-tourist residency permits. Airlines that violate these new regulations face harsh fines.
This follows the first wave of regulations on December 19, 2024, put into place by the Egyptian government which restricted entry of Syrians residing in Europe; the US; Canada; and, the Gulf.
Those that seek entry into Egypt must first gain security approval from the Egyptian embassy in their country of residence. They also follow the Egyptian decision to ban Palestinians coming from Syria, Sudan, Libya, Iraq, and Yemen.
Egyptian media sources suggest these regulations reflect a fear in Cairo that the “chaos resulting from Assad’s overthrow may breathe new life for “terrorist organizations”, including the Islamic State group”.
Egyptian President al-Sisi said on December 15, 2024, that a new wave of terrorism was likely in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime.
He fears that “an IS resurgence in Syria may incentivize dormant cells in Sinai and other parts of Egypt to come back to work and launch attacks”.
The former Assistant Interior Minister Farouk al-Mograhy has also raised concerns over members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood also entering Egypt from Syria. He also cited the lack of security coordination with Syria’s interim administration as fueling Cairo’s concerns.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Embassy in Cairo has introduced same-day travel permits for Syrians wishing to return home but lacking valid passports. There are roughly 1.5 million Syrians residing in Egypt.
Many now wish to return home following the collapse of the Assad regime. The future of the de facto Syrian government and the Egyptian government appears unclear.
The Syrian Foreign Minister has met with his Saudi counterpart, is in Doha on January 5th, and is set to visit Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in the near future.
Middle East Monitor
