Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Poorer Countries Restrict Refugee Intake Due to Aid Cuts
Poorer countries like Uganda, which used to welcome many refugees, are now closing their doors.
This is because they are not getting enough money from other countries to help the refugees.
Uganda used to be very generous, but now it can't afford to take in more people.
Other countries like Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia are also making it harder for refugees to enter.
Many refugees are now struggling because there isn't enough food, medical care, or land for them.
Some refugees are even going back to their home countries, even though it might not be safe there.
The United Nations and other groups are asking these countries to keep helping refugees, but the governments say they don't have enough money.
Uganda and other poorer countries are restricting refugee intake due to funding shortages and aid cuts.
Uganda has turned away 5,000 refugees since October 2024, including those fleeing conflict in Somalia.
Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Chad are also implementing stricter refugee policies.
Uganda's refugee population constitutes 3.9% of its total population, higher than Norway's 2.4%.
The U.N. budget for refugee services in Uganda has dropped from $500 million in 2019 to $140 million in 2024.
- Who
- Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad, and other poorer countries
- What
- Restricting the intake of new refugees due to funding shortages and aid cuts
- When
- Restrictions announced in October 2024, with ongoing impacts
- Where
- Primarily in Uganda, with similar actions in Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Chad
- Why
- Deep cuts to American aid and insufficient international support for refugees
- Countries Restricting Refugees
- Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad
- Refugees Turned Away in Uganda
- 5,000
- Uganda's Refugee Population
- 3.9% of Uganda's population
- U.S. Refugee Population
- 1.1% of U.S. population
- Refugees Returned Home in 2024
- 4,000
- Expected Refugees to Return to Sudan
- 2,000