Sudanese refugees face deportation from Egypt
Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese seeking safety in Egypt are now at risk of arrest and forced return amid tighter immigration controls.
Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt face growing fear of arrest and deportation, despite having initially found safety in the country. Egyptian authorities have conducted a campaign of arbitrary arrests and detentions targeting Sudanese nationals, with hundreds of thousands having fled to Egypt since the war began. This situation extends beyond Egypt, with restrictions also emerging along regional migration routes, complicating efforts for those fleeing the conflict to find secure havens.
Human Rights Watch reported in July that Egyptian authorities arrested individuals with expired residency permits, including some holding valid UNHCR documentation, leading to deportations. Reuters documented over 5,500 deportations since November 2025 and reported the deaths of three Sudanese refugees in Egyptian prisons this year. Amnesty International previously recorded incidents of Egyptian authorities deporting around 800 Sudanese nationals without allowing them to claim asylum.
The crackdown creates a precarious reality for Sudanese in Egypt, where community solidarity exists alongside constant anxiety about immigration enforcement. For many, the challenge is no longer just finding refuge but securing a place where they can remain legally, access essential services like healthcare and education, and reunite with family, rather than being forcibly returned to an active warzone.
Why it mattersSudanese refugees are affected by Egyptian authorities' arbitrary arrests, detentions, and deportations, which threaten their safety and legal status.