UNHCR: We have registered 140,000 new arrivals from Sudan to Egypt
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In its latest update, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees stated that Sudanese nationals and individuals of other nationalities continue to move to Egypt at the same rate as in December, with an average of about 363 individuals daily, according to the latest data from January 11 to 17.
It revealed that the Prime Minister called on a variety of ministries on January 8 to evaluate the impact of hosting "9 million foreigners," including refugees, in Egypt due to the increasing number of forced displacement cases. The ministries were instructed to expedite the issuance of extended residence permits for refugees and resident migrants in the country. Additionally, reports indicate that the Ministry of Interior is currently conducting a precise calculation of the exact number of "refugees" residing in Egypt, along with the governments expenses in areas such as health, education, transportation, and housing.
The UN agency clarified that the total number of arrivals from Sudan during the period from January 11 to 17 was 409,000, including 9,000 from other nationalities according to the figures announced by the Egyptian government.
It stated that they have registered 143,000 new arrivals from Sudan so far, with 91% of them being Sudanese.
Regarding registration procedures, it explained that pre-registration procedures included 254,633 individuals who arrived recently, forming 113,792 families. Of these, 143,040 have been registered, representing 68,184 families, constituting 56% of the arrivals. The registered individuals are Sudanese citizens by 91%, while other main nationalities registered include South Sudan (4%) and Eritreans (3%).
Moreover, the majority of the newly registered arrivals come from Khartoum by 89%, and 22% of them have one or more specific needs. About 72.9% of persons with special needs reported having no legal documents.
Regarding community protection services, the UN agencys staff continues to provide awareness and support services to new arrivals from Sudan at the reception center in 6th of October City, Cairo. They also offer assistance services and procedures for reporting fraud and complaints. During the reporting period, 2,630 individuals were reached. Additionally, the UN agencys partner, the Psychological and Social Services and Training Institute in Cairo (PSTIC), provided basic counseling to 1,525 refugees and asylum seekers.
Concerning child protection, the UN agency stated that family separation remains one of the main risks facing Sudanese children fleeing. After conducting a search for missing persons through the agencys database, four children were reunited with their families last week.
A total of 10,712 inquiries were processed through the UN agencys information hotline last week, and registration appointments were scheduled for 5,298 individuals who fled Sudan. This brings the total number of individuals who obtained registration appointments through the system to 154,022. After integrating the Cairo and Alexandria hotlines and appointing additional agents, the average number of daily calls tripled compared to pre-crisis levels.
