Author
Under Law No. 89 of 1960 on the Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals, Articles 25, 26, 27, 29, and 31, government authorities are granted broad powers to arrest and deport foreigners without providing adequate safeguards to protect their rights. This stands in contradiction to international obligations that prohibit the return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution or serious violations. In addition, Decree No. 444 of 2014 provides legal cover for the arrest, detention, and prosecution of refugees and those transiting through Egypt, solely on the basis of their presence in areas designated as military zones, exposing them to further human rights risks.
Human rights reports indicate that arbitrary stops and arrests of refugees and migrants are recurring in certain areas, such as parts of Greater Cairo and Alexandria, where security checkpoints are commonly deployed. These operations often target individuals based on their racial features or nationality. Sudanese, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Somali nationals in particular are frequently stopped in the streets and on public transportation and asked to present identification or residency permits. In many cases, even when refugees show UNHCR-issued asylum documents, they are subjected to arbitrary detention or transferred to police stations for further screening.