Author
Prior to the enactment of the Asylum Law, partner organizations, such as St. Andrews, were actively supporting vulnerable refugee groups by recommending expedited registration appointments, expedited asylum case processing, and resettlement for the most vulnerable cases. These efforts aimed to provide urgent protection for individuals at risk of violence, exploitation, or serious violations, such as women survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied children, and people with disabilities.
The impact of such initiatives nevertheless remained limited due to the absence of a legal framework at the time, security constraints, and a lack of resources. These groups therefore require additional legal and community support to ensure their enjoyment of basic rights and reduce their exposure to risks.
Under the new Asylum Law, priority in reviewing asylum applications should be given to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, the elderly and unaccompanied minors, according to article 7. However, the law merely lists them as priority cases without outlining whether there are special procedural safeguards for them.[1]
[1] Al-Haq Foundation for Freedom of Opinion, Expression and Human Rights: ‘A Critical Analysis of the Refugee Law Draft in Egypt’, December 5, 2024, available here