Refugees in Egypt Surpass One Million as UNHCR Faces Funding Crisis

The number of registered refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt has surpassed one million, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), marking a significant rise driven primarily by the ongoing war in Sudan. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, more than 1.5 million Sudanese people have entered Egypt, based on figures from Egyptian authorities. Sudanese nationals now account for 73% of all registered refugees and asylum seekers in the country.

This sharp increase comes amid a severe funding crisis for the UNHCR, which is currently operating with just 29% of the resources it requires. The agency faces a funding gap of USD 97 million, and per capita support has fallen to a quarter of previous levels, despite already being inadequate. As a result, thousands of refugees have lost access to monthly cash assistance, pushing many deeper into poverty. Essential services including healthcare, education, and protection have also been reduced.

UNHCR has reported that up to 50,000 children are now at risk of dropping out of school due to the lack of resources. Cuts to protection services have left vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied minors and survivors of violence, exposed to further risks. The situation has been described as a humanitarian emergency.

In response to the growing refugee population, a new asylum law has been passed in Egypt, transferring oversight from UNHCR to a national system. The agency has developed a five-year transition plan to support the alignment of Egypt’s asylum framework with international standards.