Egypt Implements New Travel Regulations Amidst Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Egypt has implemented new travel regulations for citizens aged 18-35 traveling to Russia and Ukraine, requiring security approval. This step aims to prevent recruitment into foreign militaries amid growing concerns over national security risks tied to the ongoing conflict. The war also negatively affects Egypt’s economy, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness among its citizens.

In light of escalating tensions from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Egyptian government has introduced new regulations concerning travel for its citizens aged 18 to 35. These measures require mandatory approval from security authorities for individuals wishing to travel to these countries, aimed at preventing possible recruitment by foreign militaries amid fears of national security risks.

Lawmakers and security experts have expressed concerns that young Egyptians may fall victim to recruitment tactics in the ongoing war, which has resulted in numerous casualties. Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Egyptian parliament’s Committee on Defence and National Security, emphasized the necessity of these regulations for safeguarding national security, asserting that students may inadvertently become mercenaries in proxy wars.

The Russian-Ukrainian war has significantly impacted Egypt’s economy, particularly in tourism and agricultural imports. Ukraine and Russia constituted a major portion of Egypt’s tourist demographic, and the conflict has disrupted this flow, complicating food importation and increasing costs. Consequently, Egyptian authorities are compelled to seek alternative sources for agriculture while addressing the potential security concerns posed by its nationals engaging in foreign combat.

An alarming incident recently surfaced when a Ukrainian journalist released a video featuring an Egyptian individual who had fought alongside Russian soldiers. This individual disclosed that financial pressures had driven him to enlist in the Russian army while imprisoned in Russia for visa violations. Currently, there is no official estimate of how many Egyptians are involved in the conflict; however, estimates suggest that the number could be substantial based on college enrollment trends in Russian institutions.

Egypt is also wary of the past implications when citizens returned home after engaging in foreign conflicts, drawing parallels to those who fought in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion. The government remains cautious of a similar scenario occurring with individuals returning from the current conflict, heralded as potential threats due to their combat experiences.

Egypt has maintained a neutral stance during the war, balancing relations with both countries, given its reliance on Russian and Ukrainian agricultural products. However, the current dilemma surrounding Egyptian nationals battling overseas complicates this neutral position. The Russian embassy in Cairo has confirmed the enforcement of new travel regulations but refrained from commenting on the recruitment involvement of Egyptians within the Russian military.

The introduction of stringent travel regulations by Egypt serves as a protective measure in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia. With potential recruitment of its nationals posing a significant threat to national security, the government aims to prevent young individuals from being lured into foreign militaries. Moreover, the disruption to Egypt’s economy caused by the conflict further illustrates the broader implications of foreign wars on domestic stability and security.

Original Source: www.newarab.com