Egypt’s worsening economic situation is prompting many to take the dangerous migrant route from Libya to Italy. This trend has been particularly noticeable since 2020, with record inflation, a plunging currency, rising unemployment and government spending cuts prompting more Egyptians to seek better opportunities abroad.
One such individual was Waleed el-Degwy, a plumber from the Nile Delta region of northern Egypt. Unable to earn enough to support his family, he crossed the border into Libya and boarded a cramped trawler bound for Europe. Tragically, the ship sank a few miles off the Greek coast, claiming the lives of hundreds of passengers, including many Egyptians. Degwy is one of those who have disappeared without a trace.
His father, Mohamed el-Degwy, explained that his son was not alone in his despair. Many young people from his village of Mit Suhayl have fled, driven by the rising cost of living and the hope of finding better-paying work abroad.
Figures from the Italian interior ministry reveal that more than 8,000 people who arrived in Italy by boat this year have declared themselves Egyptian. This figure represents a significant increase from the 1,264 recorded in 2020. The increase in emigration coincides with the deterioration of Egypt’s economy, which has been greatly affected by the pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector, the wariness of investors due to the war in Ukraine and an increase in debt caused. due to the large state spending on megaprojects.
Although Egyptian authorities have largely curbed migrant boat departures from Egypt’s northern coast since 2016, those desperate to leave have found other routes. Many are now heading to neighboring Libya, despite its decade-long conflict and reduced job prospects. Instability in Libya has allowed people-smugglers to thrive, with more migrant boats leaving from eastern Libya, near Egypt.
The trip to Europe isn’t cheap, with families often footing the bill of $4,540. Once the migrant has crossed the Egyptian border, the money is handed over. However, the treatment of migrants changes dramatically once payment is made, according to Adel Ghannam, a carpenter from Mit Suhayl, whose younger brother was also on the ill-fated trawler.
Egyptian officials, including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, have said they are doing everything they can to stem the flow of migrants. However, they admit it is a challenge, given Egypt’s resources due to hosting millions of foreigners, including more than 300,000 people who fled the war in Sudan.
The European Union has provided funding for border controls in Egypt, recognizing that a lack of economic opportunities and climate change in the mostly desert nation of 104 million people will likely increase the flow of migrants in the long term. Despite these efforts, hardships continue to push more people to risk the perilous journey in search of a better life.
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