Egypt enacts new rules for travel to Ukraine and Russia
Egypt reportedly enacted new travel rules for citizens heading to Ukraine and Russia, particularly for nationals aged 18 to 35, The New Arab reported on March 10th.
Importantly, the move comes as a dual tactic. In one sense to remain neutral in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. And in the other sense, to protect Egypt’s national security,” says Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Committee on Defence and National Security in the Egyptian parliament.
Al-Masri’s fear stems from Egyptian nationals becoming targets of military recruitment for both countries.
Al-Masri continued, “Some Egyptian students become prey for temptations, which quickly turns them into mercenaries involved in proxy wars”. Therefore, it is suggested that Egyptian citizens who leave could be deemed a National security threat for Egypt when the citizens return home.
Additionally, A video published in February by a Ukrainian journalist highlights how an Egyptian national is fighting for the Russian army. In the video, the Egyptian national is being interviewed by the journalist.
The Egyptian says that he was tempted to join the Russian army in exchange for his release and becoming a Russian citizen.
He also said he was incarcerated for working illegally to pay for his university fees.
In 2022, around 50,000 Egyptians lived in Russia. Currently, Egypt does not have an estimate of how many nationals are fighting in the war.
Subsequently, tourists from Egypt now must receive mandatory approval from the security establishment to travel to Russia and Ukraine.
Furthermore, Egypt has been hit hard by the Russia-Ukraine war. The revenues from its tourism sector were heavily boosted by the Russians and Ukrainians who once made up a considerable portion of its tourists.
Along with its economic woes, the Russia-Ukraine war has seen agricultural imports rise in price for Egypt.
The New Arab
