Egypt has enacted new travel regulations for citizens aged 18 to 35 wishing to travel to Russia and Ukraine requiring security approval. These measures aim to prevent recruitment of Egyptian nationals into foreign militaries amid the ongoing conflict, which has also adversely impacted Egypt’s economy, particularly the tourism sector and agricultural imports. Lawmakers emphasize the potential security threats posed by this situation.
Egyptian authorities have instituted new travel regulations for citizens wishing to visit Russia and Ukraine, specifically targeting nationals aged 18 to 35 years. These new stipulations require mandatory approval from the security establishment due to concerns over potential military recruitment amidst the ongoing conflict between the countries. Lawmakers and security experts have raised alarms about the risks to national security presented by this situation.
Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Committee on Defence and National Security in the Egyptian parliament, emphasized the importance of these regulations, stating that they are necessary to protect Egypt’s national security. He expressed concerns that young Egyptian students may be lured into joining foreign militaries, transforming into mercenaries involved in proxy wars. This could pose a future threat to Egypt upon their return.
The conflict has severely impacted the Egyptian economy, particularly affecting tourism, as Russians and Ukrainians previously represented a significant portion of visitors. Moreover, Egypt heavily relied on agricultural imports, especially cereals, from Russia and Ukraine. The war has led to escalated costs for these imports and has forced Egypt to seek alternative sources, compounding the economic strain.
Parliamentarians have issued warnings regarding the risk of Egyptian nationals being recruited into the militaries of Russia and Ukraine. A Ukrainian journalist shared a video of an Egyptian man who was captured while fighting alongside the Russian army. He recounted his experience of being imprisoned in Russia, where he was persuaded to enlist in return for citizenship and release.
Although there are no precise estimates of Egyptian involvement in the conflict, analysts speculate that the number could range from hundreds to thousands, especially among students unable to afford tuition fees. In 2022, approximately 50,000 Egyptians resided in Russia, with more than 12,000 enrolled in academic institutions, highlighting their vulnerability to recruitment.
General Mohamed al-Ghabari suggested that increased recruitment offers from Russia, seeking to compensate for military losses, heighten the risk for Egyptian youth. Previous attempts by the Egyptian government to safeguard their students from the conflict, such as repatriating those in Ukraine at the war’s onset, were less effective for those in Russia, where academic opportunities remain financially viable.
Security analysts have warned that military involvement could lead to significant security threats for Egypt in the future. This situation mirrors historical events when Egyptian nationals returning from engagements in Afghanistan in the past posed similar challenges to national security.
Despite its efforts to maintain a neutral stance in the conflict, Egypt finds itself affected by the ramifications of recruitment, as some of its citizens are drawn into combat. Effective communication from the Russian embassy in Cairo regarding recruitment and soldier fatalities involving dual nationals remains limited, indicating the complexity of addressing these issues.
In conclusion, Egypt’s implementation of stricter travel regulations to Russia and Ukraine reflects growing concerns over national security risks from potential recruitment of its citizens into foreign militaries. This situation underscores the broader economic and social challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, particularly in terms of tourism impacts and agricultural imports. The historical context of similar issues highlights the need for vigilance in safeguarding national stability amidst ongoing global conflicts. With the government prioritizing national security, awareness campaigns targeting youth may be initiated to mitigate risks associated with foreign military enlistment.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
