UNHCR Warns: Number of Registered Refugees, Asylum-seekers in Egypt Tops 1M as Funding Falls

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is urgently appealing for international solidarity as the number of registered refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt surpasses a critical milestone- one million refugees and asylum-seekers.

This surge is largely driven by Sudanese refugees who fled the conflict in Sudan that erupted in April 2023 and causing the largest displacement crisis in the world. Yet, while the needs have skyrocketed, per capita funding has dropped to just one quarter of previous levels—levels that were already insufficient—forcing UNHCR to cut vital assistance for thousands who need support.

Egypt, now the largest host of Sudanese refugees, has received over 1.5 million Sudanese nationals since the conflict began, according to government figures. Sudanese refugees account for 73 percent of all those registered with UNHCR in Egypt, demonstrating both the scale of displacement in Sudan and the solidarity shown by Egypt in providing refuge.

“This devastating milestone is about far more than numbers,” said Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Representative to the Government of Egypt and the League of Arab States. “The 1 million represents the struggle of families forced to flee, children separated from their parents, homes destroyed, and futures lost. It’s also about perseverance—the courage of refugees rebuilding their lives and the generosity of Egypt in offering safety and solidarity. However, this cannot be taken for granted. With every passing day, the needs of these refugees grow. No one can afford for this to become another forgotten emergency. We call on donor countries, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector to strengthen their support and ensure that those forced to flee can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

Despite the compassion shown by Egyptian host communities and the tireless work of humanitarian partners, UNHCR is currently operating with only 29 percent of its required funding, leaving a gap of $97 million. This shortfall has further limited UNHCR’s resources, severely impacting its ability to respond and mitigate the impact of displacement on the most vulnerable, as resources remain critically scarce.

As a result, thousands of refugees have already lost the monthly cash assistance they rely on to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table—plunging many into extreme poverty. Access to healthcare has shrunk and up to 50,000 children risk dropping out of school. Protection services have also been scaled back, exposing vulnerable individuals to heightened risks.

In the midst of this crisis, Egypt has taken an important step by passing a new asylum law, marking a pivotal transition from a UNHCR-led system to a nationally managed one. At the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNHCR has developed a five-year transition plan to help establish a national asylum system aligned with international standards. However, the success of this transition—and the protection of those seeking asylum—depends on significant financial and technical support from the international community.

UNHCR remains fully committed to working alongside the Egyptian government, international donors, and local organizations to address this unprecedented displacement crisis. But global solidarity is more urgent than ever—not only to meet immediate humanitarian needs, but also to support Egypt in sustainably managing this responsibility.

Finally, UNHCR renews its urgent call for efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, which has already claimed countless lives and forced millions to flee. A peaceful resolution is essential to prevent further suffering and displacement and would allow refugees to return to their country in safety and dignity.