Egypt Runs 22nd Train for Voluntary Return of Sudanese Nationals

Egypt’s National Railways Authority has operated the 22nd train service designated for the voluntary return of Sudanese nationals to their home country, as part of Egypt’s ongoing humanitarian initiative to support Sudanese citizens wishing to repatriate.

The latest train departed on Friday morning, October 3, from Cairo, carrying hundreds of Sudanese passengers who had registered under the voluntary return program, according to a statement from the Egyptian National Railways (ENR).

The initiative comes in implementation of directives from Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport, who has instructed all relevant authorities to provide full logistical and humanitarian support to facilitate the safe return of Sudanese residents.

With the completion of this latest journey, the total number of Sudanese nationals transported through the coordinated rail operation has now reached 20,944 passengers.

The ENR noted that the train is scheduled to arrive at Aswan’s High Dam Station (El-Sadd El-Aali) at 11:40 p.m. on Friday, before making its return trip to serve regular passengers from Aswan Station at 11:30 a.m. the following day.

Egypt launched the voluntary return initiative earlier this year amid ongoing humanitarian challenges in Sudan, offering organized rail and logistical support in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, civil society organizations, and Sudanese community representatives.

Officials emphasized that Egypt will continue to coordinate closely with Sudanese authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure the process remains safe, dignified, and efficient.