Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Reaffirms Egypt's Commitment to Hosting Over 10.5 Million Refugees and Migrants, Calls for Greater Global Support

 Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Reaffirms Egypt's Commitment to Hosting Over 10.5 Million Refugees and Migrants, Calls for Greater Global Support

CAIRO — June 26, 2026 — Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to providing essential services to more than 10.5 million foreigners, migrants, and refugees residing across the country, while urging the international community to assume a greater share of responsibility in supporting host nations.

The remarks came during a high-level meeting in Cairo with Barham Salih, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), according to the Egyptian Presidency. �

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President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt continues to provide healthcare, education, and other basic public services to millions of refugees and migrants despite mounting economic pressures and regional instability. He stressed that these efforts are being carried out within Egypt's available capabilities while respecting both national laws and international commitments. �

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During the discussions, the Egyptian leader reiterated that Egypt has never used the refugee issue as a political tool, instead pursuing a humanitarian approach that integrates refugees into local communities rather than placing them in camps. He called for stronger international burden-sharing, arguing that countries hosting large refugee populations should receive greater financial and technical support from the global community. �

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El-Sisi also highlighted Egypt's ongoing work to implement its new national asylum system, including the establishment of a permanent committee responsible for refugee affairs. He said the new framework aims to strengthen asylum management while maintaining close cooperation with UNHCR throughout the transition. �

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For his part, Barham Salih praised Egypt for hosting millions of refugees and migrants despite significant economic challenges. He acknowledged the considerable burden placed on the country and agreed that stronger international assistance is needed to support Egypt's humanitarian efforts.

The UN refugee chief also welcomed Egypt's progress in establishing a national asylum system and reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to provide technical expertise and continued cooperation. He described Egypt as a key pillar of stability in the Middle East and an important partner in addressing regional displacement crises. �

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The meeting comes at a time when forced displacement continues to rise across the region due to conflicts and humanitarian crises, increasing pressure on countries such as Egypt that host large refugee and migrant populations. Egyptian officials have repeatedly appealed for greater international solidarity to ensure that host communities can continue providing essential services while maintaining economic stability. �

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