Egypt Implements New Travel Regulations to Russia and Ukraine for Nationals
Egypt has introduced new travel regulations for citizens traveling to Russia and Ukraine, particularly for individuals aged 18 to 35. The measures require security approval to mitigate risks of recruitment into foreign militaries amidst the ongoing conflict. This decision comes in response to potential threats to national security and the overall impact of the war on Egypt’s tourist-dependent economy.
Egypt has implemented new regulations concerning travel to Russia and Ukraine, primarily affecting its citizens aged 18 to 35. These measures require mandatory approval from the country’s security establishment before any travel can occur. This initiative follows warnings from lawmakers and experts about the potential recruitment of Egyptian nationals into foreign militaries, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict which has resulted in extensive loss of life on both sides.
Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Committee on Defence and National Security in the Egyptian parliament, emphasized the importance of these regulations for national security. He noted, “Some Egyptian students become prey for temptations, which quickly turns them into mercenaries involved in proxy wars.” Al-Masri described the regulations as “timely,” expressing concerns that those recruited into foreign militaries might return home and pose a national security risk.
The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war has severely affected Egypt’s economy, particularly the tourism sector, which significantly relies on Russian and Ukrainian visitors. Previously, these two nationalities constituted a substantial portion of the tourists in Egypt, and the war has forced Egypt to seek alternative sources for agricultural imports, which included staples like cereals previously imported from Russia and Ukraine.
Additionally, heightened security risks arise from reports of Egyptian citizens fighting alongside Russian and Ukrainian forces. A troubling video surfaced in which an Egyptian national, who had been held hostage by Ukrainian forces, recounted how he was coerced into joining the Russian army after encountering hardship while studying in Russia. Although the exact number of Egyptians involved in the conflict is unclear, there are concerns that it could reach into the hundreds or thousands due to economic pressures.
In the year 2022, approximately 50,000 Egyptians were living, working, or studying in Russia, with a notable increase in Egyptian students attending Russian institutions. Egyptian security analysts are cautious about this trend, fearing that many students may be susceptible to recruitment by the Russian military. Security expert Gen. Mohamed al-Ghabari emphasized the importance of educating Egyptian youth about the risks associated with travel and recruitment into foreign militaries.
Despite the ongoing war, Egypt strives to maintain a neutral stance, balancing its relationships with both Kyiv and Moscow. Historically reliant on these countries for a significant portion of its wheat supply, Egypt’s ties with Russia include considerable investments and military alliances. However, the current situation poses challenges, especially with reports indicating that some Egyptian citizens may be drawn to participate in the conflict.
As a response to these developments, the Russian embassy in Cairo confirmed the application of new travel regulations, asserting that Egyptian authorities are enforcing stricter requirements for travel permissions to Russia. Furthermore, the embassy stated that the Russian Ministry of Defence typically manages issues relating to fatalities among dual nationals, highlighting the complexities entangled in this newfound security landscape for Egypt.
In summary, Egypt is enforcing new travel regulations aimed at safeguarding national security amid rising concerns over the recruitment of its nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These measures arise due to the potential threats posed by Egyptians engaging in foreign militaries, impacting both the economy and security framework of the nation. As Egypt navigates its diplomatic relations with Russia and Ukraine, the vigilance surrounding its citizens’ involvement in international conflicts remains imperative.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
