Egypt has implemented new travel regulations for citizens traveling to Russia and Ukraine, particularly those aged 18 to 35. This move is aimed at preventing recruitment into foreign militaries amid the ongoing conflict, reflecting significant concerns regarding national security. The Russian-Ukrainian war has also adversely affected Egypt’s economy, particularly its tourism sector.
Recently, Egypt has implemented new travel regulations for its citizens wishing to visit Russia and Ukraine, particularly targeting nationals aged 18 to 35. These rules mandate prior approval from the security establishment, aimed at safeguarding Egypt’s national security amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. The new measures arise from concerns over the potential recruitment of Egyptian nationals into foreign militaries, as highlighted by defense experts and lawmakers.
Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Committee on Defense and National Security, emphasized that these regulations are crucial for protecting national security. He pointed out that some Egyptian students become susceptible to recruitment, turning into mercenaries in foreign conflicts, posing a future threat upon their return to Egypt.
The economic impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war has also hit Egypt hard, disrupting its tourism sector which has heavily relied on Russian and Ukrainian visitors. Additionally, the war has forced Egypt to seek alternative markets for its agricultural imports, especially cereals, further straining the economy.
Recent reports have underscored security risks, revealing cases of Egyptians fighting alongside Russian forces. A Ukrainian journalist illustrated this concern by interviewing an Egyptian who was purportedly recruited by the Russian military in exchange for legal release from jail after a conviction for illegal work.
While there is no concrete estimate of how many Egyptians are currently involved in the war, concerns are rising that the number could be in the hundreds or even thousands, particularly as many Egyptian students face financial hardships in Russia. The surge of Egyptian students studying in Russia from 2,061 in 2018 to 12,357 in 2022 raises alarms about potential recruitment to the military following their academic pursuits.
Security experts warn that joining foreign militaries presents national security challenges for Egypt, especially with individuals returning after active service from the war. Historically, Egypt faced significant security issues after the Soviet-Afghan war when many nationals returned militarized from combat.
Despite the turmoil, Egypt has maintained a neutral stance in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, balancing relationships with both Kyiv and Moscow. Nonetheless, the recruitment trends hint at a complex situation, making it necessary for Egyptian authorities to tighten travel permissions. The Russian embassy has acknowledged these new regulations but declined to comment further on Egyptian recruitment into the Russian army.
In summary, Egypt has introduced new travel regulations for its citizens traveling to Russia and Ukraine, primarily to prevent recruitment into foreign militaries amid ongoing conflict. These measures reflect concerns over national security and economic repercussions stemming from the war, impacting Egypt’s tourism and agricultural sectors. The historical context of past military entanglements reinforces the urgency of these regulations to safeguard the country’s stability.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
