According to UNHCR, 600,000 refugees from over 62 nationalities reside in Egypt. While the immigration waves are not new, it’s important to highlight that this is a global challenge, not a hidden agenda aimed at a specific country.
On April 15, 2023, a power struggle erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and a powerful paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces, resulting in the loss of nearly 15,000 lives and the displacement of over 8.2 million Sudanese citizens. This naturally led to an expected Sudanese influx to Egypt.
However, it’s crucial that Egyptians understand that immigration isn’t the primary cause of their financial hardships, so feeling threatened by immigrants doesn’t hold much ground. Many of these immigrants are actually financially independent and don’t impose any particular burden on the public services, but might in fact be boosting its growth by opening new businesses, renting/buying real estate property, paying immigrants’ permits, etc…..
You’ve probably come across one of the viral TikToks mocking Sudanese immigrants residing in Egypt, exuding an energy of hate and narcissism. In reality, history tells us that narcissism extends beyond race, as evident in the past with the Syrian immigration into Egypt and in online discussions rejecting the immigration of Palestinians to the country.
It’s crucial not to generalise and label all Egyptians as narcissists. However, it’s undeniable that narcissistic attitudes prevail across various platforms, often fuelled by the belief that immigrants are seizing opportunities and benefits that rightfully belong to original citizens.
Leaving one’s home country is never an easy decision. It’s more of an obligation, compelled by a hope of finding peace elsewhere until the political problems back home are resolved. Yet, amidst all these challenges, Sudanese immigrants are facing the unfortunate reality of rejection.
What if the Sudanese were European, would they still be met with the same degree of hate? Let us know your opinions on this sensitive topic.
