Syrian refugees in Egypt refers to Syrian nationals who have fled the Syrian civil war and reside in Egypt. Syrians began arriving in Egypt in notable numbers following the escalation of the conflict in 2012. Although Egypt does not share a border with Syria, it has become a destination for Syrians seeking safety, primarily entering through air travel or via third countries.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)[1], there are approximately 139,000–150,000 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekersofficially registered in Egypt as of early 2025[2], However Some estimates suggest that up to 1–1.5 million Syrians may be living in Egypt[3],making Syrians one of the largest registered refugee populations in the country. Registered Syrians form part of Egypt’s broader refugee and asylum-seeker population, which also includes significant numbers of Sudanese and other nationalities.
The total number of Syrians residing in Egypt, including those not registered with UNHCR or holding other forms of legal residency, is estimated by international organizations and media sources to be substantially higher. Some estimates suggest that up to 1–1.5 million Syrians may be living in Egypt[3], many of whom entered the country through migration rather than formal refugee pathways.
Syrians in Egypt generally reside in urban communities rather than refugee camps, as Egypt does not operate camps for Syrian refugees. Many Syrians participate in various sectors of the economy, including small business ownership and professional services[4], and have access to public education and healthcare. Egyptian PresidentAbdel Fattah el-Sisi has publicly referred to Syrians in Egypt as “guests” rather than refugees[5], a characterization frequently cited as reflecting an official approach that emphasizes dignity, hospitality, and social inclusion.. Syrian nationals are permitted to establish and operate businesses, and to access public services, conditions that are not uniformly available to Syrians in other host countries.
Refugee Conditions in Egypt
Employment
Egypt has a large informal market and most Syrians work in it. There are cafés in this informal market where a majority of unregistered Syrians work. The majority of Syrian registered with UNHCR have a higher chance of receiving a job because they are in Egypt legally.[6]
Housing
In Egypt, refugees are allowed to live in the cities unlike some of their neighboring countries. The majority of Syrians that registered with UNHCR have housing in Egypt because of their resettlement program.[7]
Public Schools
Egypt granted Syrians access to the public school system and aid in registration. Education is free to Syrian Refugees but it does exclude post-graduate education.[8] Students are required to have their passports and a copy of their transcript from Syria. If a student does not have their transcript they can take a placement exam to determine their level of education. Upon application for school Syrian students receive a document that gives them access to a one-year residency permit.
Refugee Schools
There are Syrian learning centers in Egypt that differ from the public school system because they are accredited.[8] These educational institutions are a source of jobs for Syrian teachers because they are not allowed to legally teach in the Egyptian public school system. These schools offer assistance with the Egyptian curriculum.[8]
Healthcare
Egypt with the help UNHCR and other NGOs mainstreamed healthcare for Syrian refugees and made their healthcare free. Mainstreaming effect refugees in urban areas like Cairo. There was standardization of the healthcare system and more transparency of the costs.[9]
Services Provided
Birth Registration and certificate issuing
Issuing of health cards
Premarital care
Antenatal care
routine immunization
Early detection of thyroxine hormone deficiency
Infant feeding counseling and growth monitoring
Management of childhood illness
Adolescent care
Medical Examinations
Medicine Provisions
Chronic illness treatment
Dental Services
Egypt's Legal Reaction to Syrian Immigration
In order to gain refugee status in Egypt it must be proved that the applicant has a well founded fear of persecution. After gaining refugee status you are given a UNHCR yellow card which gives you three year temporary residency permit.[10] Refugees have to renew their permits every six months.
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