Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Sudanese Refugees Flee Egypt Amid Crackdown, Seek Libya & Europe
Many Sudanese people fled their country due to war and sought refuge in Egypt.
However, they faced challenges like economic difficulties and stricter rules, making it hard to stay.
Some are now taking risky journeys to Libya and then to Europe, hoping for a safer place.
The number of Sudanese people trying to reach Europe has significantly increased recently.
Some people believe Egypt is using the refugee situation to get financial help from other countries.
Sudanese refugees are leaving Egypt for Libya and Europe due to difficult conditions.
Economic hardship and a crackdown on refugees in Egypt are major factors.
The number of Sudanese arriving in Europe increased by 134% in the first five months of 2025.
Egypt's new asylum law has led to increased deportations and a sense of insecurity.
Some view Egypt as using migration to obtain financial aid from the EU.
- Who
- Sudanese refugees seeking safety, Egyptian authorities, and European Union.
- What
- Sudanese refugees are leaving Egypt for Libya and Europe due to difficult conditions and a crackdown on refugees.
- When
- Since the war in Sudan began in April 2023, the trend has accelerated, particularly in 2025.
- Where
- The refugees are primarily moving from Sudan to Egypt, then on to Libya and Europe.
- Why
- Due to economic hardship, difficulty obtaining residency, and fear of deportation from Egypt.
Refugee Advocates & Rights Groups
Egyptian Government
Treatment of Refugees
Refugee Advocates & Rights Groups
Egypt's asylum law and actions jeopardize the legal protection of recognized refugees.
Egyptian Government
Egyptian officials state the government has shown generosity.
Access to Resources
Refugee Advocates & Rights Groups
Migrants are not entitled to domestic subsidy schemes or social protection.
Egyptian Government
Egyptian officials claim everyone benefits from subsidy schemes.
Exploitation
Refugee Advocates & Rights Groups
Critics argue Egypt is using migration for financial gain.
Egyptian Government
Egyptian officials deny these claims.
- Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
- Approximately 1.5 million initially fled to Egypt.
- Increase in European Arrivals
- 134% increase in Sudanese arrivals in Europe (Jan-May 2025).
- Sudanese Crossings into Libya
- 20,000-25,000 Sudanese crossed into Libya via Egypt since the start of the war.
- EU Funding Package
- 7.4 billion euro funding package for Egypt announced in March.
- Deportations (as of March 2025)
- Nearly 21,000 Sudanese deported by Egyptian security services.