Egypt signs inter-agency deal to tackle root causes of irregular migration

Egypt signed an inter-agency agreement on Wednesday to expand job creation, vocational training, and small-business support in villages vulnerable to irregular migration, as the government seeks to address the economic drivers of undocumented migration.

The cooperation protocol was signed by the Ministry of Local Development and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Expatriates under the presidential Marakeb El Nagah (Life Saving Boats) Initiative, according to a government statement.

Under the agreement, the government will expand vocational training, business incubators, and microfinance through the Local Development Fund to support self-employment, productive families, and traditional handicrafts in governorates with higher rates of irregular migration.

Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve living standards and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people.

“Human development remains a top priority. The initiative aims to build resilient local economies by providing young people with viable employment opportunities and safe alternatives to irregular migration,” Awad said.

The programme includes vocational training tailored to local labour market needs, support for small enterprises through business incubators and microfinance, marketing opportunities for locally produced goods and heritage crafts, and awareness campaigns highlighting the legal and humanitarian risks associated with irregular migration.

The initiative also seeks to expand economic opportunities for women and productive families by improving access to financing and helping small businesses reach domestic and international markets.

Said Helmy Abdel-Khaleq, head of the ministry’s Integrated Local Development Sector, said the agreement reflects the government’s efforts to tackle the root causes of irregular migration by promoting local economic development and improving employment opportunities in affected communities.

A joint steering committee will oversee implementation of the programme, coordinate between participating government entities and monitor progress in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 development strategy, the statement said.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English