Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Leaders of Egyptian communities abroad praised the recommendations issued at the conclusion of the sixth edition of the Egyptians Abroad Conference for 2025, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, with the participation of representatives of government ministries and agencies and members of Egyptian communities from various countries around the world. From the perspective of some participants, the impressions were positive, as Sherif Salem, a prominent figure in the Egyptian community in Belgium, told the "Europe and Arabs" website. He said he thanks the President of the Republic, who issued direct instructions to care for Egyptians abroad. He also thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Ati, as well as Ambassador Nabil El-Gabashi, Deputy Minister for Immigration Affairs. During the events, senior officials were keen to highlight all the achievements and address the issues raised in the previous edition of the conference. The relevant authorities were keen to reassure Egyptians regarding many issues, including the investment file, the Palestinian issue, and the rejection of displacement. The Minister emphasized Egypt's continued strong role in this issue. Ambassador Nabil El-Gabashi was keen to meet directly with the Egyptian participants in the conference and listen to their comments. He also said, "The conference in general was full of positives and reflected the increased interest in Egyptians abroad and the development of services to serve the issues of Egyptians abroad. I benefited greatly from the conference. I was keen to attend most of the discussions and witnessed the positive aspects and honorable national models. I did not witness anything negative and benefited greatly from participating." For his part, Mr. Abu Khudair, a prominent figure in the Egyptian community in Belgium, told the "Europe and Arabs" website that the conference witnessed discussions on important topics, particularly those related to investment for Egyptians abroad and the projects proposed by the relevant ministries. He noted that the discussions were useful, and participants listened to diverse viewpoints in this regard, as well as the issue of offering land for investment. Some called for renewing the car initiative for Egyptians abroad, while others called for the provision of medium-sized investment projects. Discussions also touched on the issue of unpaid leave for state employees, with positions varying between those calling for facilitating leave, while others said the matter must be resolved to provide job opportunities for others. Abu Khudair concluded by saying, "I was happy for the Prime Minister to participate in the conference, based on directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This reflects the interest in the issues of Egyptians abroad, who represent the first line of defense against any malicious campaigns abroad against the motherland." According to media reports in Cairo, the recommendations emerging from the conference reflected the state's commitment to strengthening communication with Egyptians abroad and activating their role. In support of national development efforts, by listening to their proposals and discussing their issues directly with decision-makers.
Ambassador Nabil Habashi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, announced the conference's key recommendations, which responded to the demands of Egyptians abroad and the state's commitment to strengthening communication and partnership with them across all sectors.
Recommendations:
1. Continue developing consular services provided to Egyptians abroad, including document verification and documentation, labor rights, while commending the facilitation of remote consular services and diplomatic visas, which represented a tangible qualitative shift.
2. Implement the initiative to update banking data through embassies and consulates abroad, linking accounts to Egyptian banks, as part of efforts to support remittances and enhance the benefits of the "Open Your Account in Egypt" initiative.
3. Expedite the launch of the new phases of the "Housing for Egyptians Abroad" initiative, announced by the Minister of Housing during the conference, taking into account the diversity of income levels among members of different communities.
4. Expand admission opportunities for children of Egyptians abroad who hold equivalent foreign degrees in public universities, and facilitate their enrollment in state-accredited and internationally recognized private and public universities in various disciplines.
5. Establish a unified electronic platform that includes all relevant ministries and entities, clarifying the procedures and regulations for renewing licenses and accreditation for Egyptians abroad working in government jobs, while commending the Ministry of Higher Education's platform for renewing faculty members' licenses.
6. Consider extending the period for importing cars for Egyptians abroad, in response to community demands for a longer period that enables them to benefit from the initiative based on their financial and work circumstances.
7. Coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and EgyptAir to provide additional benefits to Egyptians abroad by increasing the number of flights to countries with a high concentration of Egyptians and operating new airlines that meet their needs.
8. Direct Egyptian embassies and consulates to cooperate with law firms and offices abroad, including Egyptian legal experts, to provide advisory services to Egyptians at preferential rates, enhancing the legal protection of communities.
These recommendations affirm the commitment of the Egyptian state, with all its institutions, to opening direct channels of communication with its citizens abroad, working to meet their demands, and encouraging them to participate in national development efforts, considering them an integral part of the nation's fabric and future.