Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, met with Carlos Oliver Cruz, Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Egypt, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting brought together Dr. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, Dina Al-Sayrifi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for International Cooperation and Relations, Dr. Ahmed Saada, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity and Executive Director of the NGO Support Fund, and Amira Taj El-Din, Director-General of the External Relations Department.
The discussion focused on enhancing cooperation between the Ministry and IOM in supporting migrants and returnees, with an emphasis on strengthening social protection mechanisms in line with Egypt’s priorities on this issue.
Both parties reviewed IOM’s strategy in Egypt, which includes five key areas: supporting migration policies, developing employment and human development programs, protecting migrants, providing necessary support, enhancing social stability, and responding to migration-related emergencies.
The meeting highlighted the importance of deepening collaboration, particularly in providing social and psychological support to returnees, ensuring their economic and social stability as part of sustainable development efforts. The parties agreed on the need for integrated reintegration programs, specialized training on migration governance, case management, and training for social workers, law enforcement officers, and service providers on supporting returnees and victims of human trafficking.
They also discussed expanding joint programs, enhancing the capacity of specialized personnel to ensure high-quality services, and improving coordination with civil society organizations.
Carlos Oliver Cruz praised the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s efforts to combat illegal migration and human trafficking, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to addressing the root causes of irregular migration in line with the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat and Prevent Irregular Migration (2024-2026).
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of ongoing coordination between both parties to enhance responses to the needs of migrants and returnees, ensuring a sustainable partnership that supports national efforts in this area.
