Egypt has instituted travel restrictions for males aged 18-35 to Russia and Ukraine due to concerns over military recruitment. Security approval is now required for such travel. This move follows warnings from lawmakers about the potential risks these individuals pose to national security and the economic ramifications of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Egypt has implemented new travel restrictions for males aged 18 to 35 seeking to go to Ukraine and Russia, amid concerns regarding recruitment into the military conflict in those nations. The regulations mandate approval from security authorities for travel to these countries, following warnings from lawmakers and security experts about potential involvement of Egyptians in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Egyptian parliament’s Committee on Defence and National Security, emphasized that these measures are crucial for safeguarding the country’s national security. He expressed concern that some Egyptian students may be vulnerable to recruitment as mercenaries, thereby jeopardizing Egypt’s security upon their return.
The war has adversely affected Egypt’s economy, particularly the tourism sector, which has heavily relied on travelers from Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, the conflict has hindered agricultural importation, leading to increased costs and prompting Egypt to seek alternative sources for these essential supplies.
Concerns escalated after a Ukrainian journalist shared a video featuring an Egyptian national reportedly captured while fighting for the Russian army. In the video, the individual disclosed that he was coerced into joining the Russian military under the pretense of obtaining his freedom from jail. Despite uncertainties on the number of Egyptians involved in the conflict, observers estimate that the figure could range from hundreds to thousands, attributed mainly to financial pressures faced by students.
In 2022, approximately 50,000 Egyptians were residing in Russia, with a significant number enrolled in academic institutions. Security analysts caution that these individuals could be susceptible to recruitment due to financial difficulties. General Mohamed al-Ghabari urged heightened awareness among Egyptian youths regarding the perils of foreign military recruitment.
Following the onset of the war, most Egyptian students in Ukraine returned home, albeit few students in Russia did. Russian institutions continued to accept Egyptian students, maintaining their appeal as economically viable options. Local experts warn that engagement in foreign military operations poses a potential security threat to Egypt, reminiscent of past issues encountered with Egyptian nationals returning from the Afghan conflict.
Egypt aims to maintain neutrality amidst the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, despite pressures from both sides. The country historically relies on Russian and Ukrainian wheat imports and has established close military ties with Moscow. Nevertheless, the emergence of recruitment opportunities for Egyptians within the military conflicts has created new security dilemmas for the nation. The Russian embassy in Cairo acknowledged the application of new travel measures, emphasizing the heightened scrutiny of travel permissions to Russia.
In summary, Egypt’s new travel restrictions for military-aged men to Ukraine and Russia are rooted in national security concerns surrounding the potential recruitment of Egyptians into foreign conflicts. These measures aim to mitigate risks associated with national security, particularly given the historical implications of foreign military involvement. The economic repercussions of the ongoing war further complicate the situation, underscoring the intertwined nature of security and economic stability that Egypt faces today.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
