Egyptian Delegation Studies Denmark's Asylum and Identity Verification System

As part of Egypt's efforts to benefit from international best practices in asylum management, the Ministry of Social Solidarity joined an official Egyptian delegation on a study visit to Copenhagen, Denmark, to examine the country's experience in asylum procedures and identity verification. The visit was organized by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).

The Egyptian delegation was headed by Ambassador Salah El-Din Abdel Sadek Ahmed, Chairman of Egypt's Permanent Committee for Refugee Affairs. Representing the Ministry of Social Solidarity was Mostafa Abdel Rafea, Director General of Legal Affairs, Head of the Human Rights Unit, and a member of the Permanent Committee for Refugee Affairs.

The program went beyond formal meetings, featuring field visits to key Danish institutions responsible for asylum and migration. The aim was to gain first-hand insight into European practices and explore ways to strengthen Egypt's national capacities in this field.

Delegates reviewed Denmark's migration policies and learned about its approach to developing databases and reference documentation used in identity verification. They also explored interview techniques and procedures for assessing asylum applications in line with international legal standards.

The delegation visited Denmark's National Identity Center, where officials demonstrated advanced technologies used to examine travel documents, conduct biometric verification, and apply facial recognition systems, alongside specialized training programs for professionals working in identity management.

The visit also included the Danish forensic document laboratory, where participants learned about document authentication methods, fraud detection techniques, and fact-finding missions that support reliable identity verification.

At the Danish Immigration Service, discussions focused on asylum application procedures, methods of verifying applicants' identities, and the role of country-of-origin information in assessing the credibility of asylum claims. Officials also presented modern technological tools designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of verification processes.

The study visit concluded with meetings at the Danish Refugee Appeals Board and the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, where participants reviewed European Union standards for establishing applicants' identities and countries of origin. On the final day, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) delivered a presentation followed by a high-level discussion on strengthening protection mechanisms, procedural safeguards, and international cooperation.

The visit reflects the ongoing partnership between Egypt and the European Union Agency for Asylum and supports national efforts to enhance asylum management through knowledge exchange and the adoption of internationally recognized best practices.