Egypt urges int’l burden-sharing to sustain support for refugees, migrants

VIENNA – 16 July 2026: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Thursday called for activating the principle of international burden- and responsibility-sharing to help sustain services provided to refugees, migrants and host communities.

Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s hosting of millions of guests during a meeting with Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Susanne Raab on the sidelines of his visit to the Austrian capital, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

He reviewed the significant burdens Egypt bears as it hosts millions of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, who have access to basic services and enjoy rights on an equal footing with Egyptian citizens under the country's policy of non-discrimination and the non-establishment of refugee camps.

The minister said this policy places increasing economic and development burdens on the state, while stressing the importance of refugees and asylum seekers regularizing their legal status in accordance with national laws and regulations.

Abdelatty urged activating the principle of international burden- and responsibility-sharing to help mobilize additional support for national development programs and joint initiatives.

He stressed highlighted the need for a balanced approach linking development with sound migration governance.

The minister reaffirmed that Egypt adopts a comprehensive approach to migration, taking into account humanitarian, political, security and development dimensions.

He underscored the country's priority of promoting safe and regular migration pathways, particularly for labor mobility to European markets, in a manner that serves mutual interests and responds to labor market needs.

Abdelatty praised the growing partnership between the Egyptian government and the ICMPD and expressed appreciation for the center's support in implementing several projects in Egypt under the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF).