Syrians in Egypt: Success Didn't Come Overnight

According to the UN, Egypt hosts 132,281 registered Syrian refugees. Their story shows how they can overcome the odds to find success in their new country using professional skills they learned back home. 

In fact, unemployment is unemployment of thoughts, not unemployment of work.

On this basis, Syrian shops have become a phenomenon in Egypt, especially in 6th October City where many Syrians have succeeded, so much so that a street -- (Sharaa Al Soreen) -- was named after them.  Some of the famous eateries and stores on the street owned by Syrians include Rosto, Barkat Al Halabi and Al Nabulsi.

"There are no problems when it comes to starting work in Egypt except for the procedures for residence permits," said a cashier at Rosto, Seif Gamal. "Life and work in Egypt is similar to that in Syria. Egyptian are kind people and easy to deal with.

Youth should work hard in order to be Successful."

Basher Ahmed, a computer and mobile shop owner on the same street, said: "The only difficulties that I find in Egypt are the long working day. It could reach 12 hours while in other countries it's only eight hours.

"We managed to succeed because we were not afraid to invest our money and we were determined to work hard. I believe that one of the most successful Syrians who came to Egypt was my young friend who helped all the children of Syrians refugees finish the necessary paperwork to enter school without any financial gain."

Barkat Al-Halabi, also a shop owner from Syria who lived for a while in Alexandria but  didn't succeed at first. Then he went to 6th October where he opened his current shop.

"Egypt has many job opportunities but Egyptian youth don't have the will, determination, and the love for work," Al-Halabi said. "That's the difference between them and Syrian youth. I advise youths to hold on their dreams and to start from zero until they reach the top. No pain without gain."

It's worth noting that the ongoing war in Syria has caused the worst refugee crisis since World War II, and neighboring countries have been struggling to deal with the fall-out for years.