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Egyptian President El-Sisi meets UNHCR chief, discusses refugee support and burden-sharing
via Egypt Today3 min read
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated that Egypt has not used the refugee issue for political gain during a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. President El-Sisi emphasized the need for burden- and responsibility-sharing and increased international support for Egypt, which hosts over 10.5 million foreigners, migrants, and refugees. He highlighted Egypt's commitment to providing basic services within its capabilities while adhering to national laws and international obligations. The President also called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of displacement, including political, security, and economic challenges, to foster sustainable development, peace, and stability in countries of origin. High Commissioner Salih praised Egypt's efforts in hosting millions and acknowledged the substantial burdens on the state, stressing the importance of strengthening international support. He also welcomed Egypt's steps to establish a new national asylum system, including the creation of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs, and reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to provide support. Salih briefed El-Sisi on UNHCR's future work and strategy to reduce global refugee numbers, expressing a desire for continued cooperation with Egypt.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
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Must ReadPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih have urged greater international support for Egypt, which hosts over 10.5 million foreigners, migrants, and refugees. During a meeting, El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt has not used the refugee issue for political gain and highlighted the need for burden- and responsibility-sharing. The president also reviewed Egypt's efforts to provide basic services within its capacity, respecting Egyptian laws and international obligations, and called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of displacement. Salih praised Egypt's efforts and the sustainability of services provided, stressing the need for international support commensurate with the country's substantial burdens. He welcomed Egypt's new national asylum system and the creation of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs, reaffirming UNHCR's readiness to provide support. Salih also briefed El-Sisi on the agency's future strategy to reduce refugee numbers globally and expressed a desire for continued cooperation with Egypt, recognizing its pivotal regional and international role. El-Sisi congratulated Salih on his new position and reaffirmed Egypt's appreciation for its cooperation with UNHCR in protecting refugees and asylum seekers.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued an executive decree on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, mandating a 15% increase in national pension payouts. This measure, effective July 1, 2026, aims to support vulnerable citizens, improve the living standards of retirees, and alleviate financial burdens on families. The directive applies to all standard pensions under the Social Insurance and Pensions Law, exceptional payouts governed by Law No. 71 of 1964, and specialized welfare categories, including partial work-injury disability pensions and targeted partial work-injury exceptional benefits.