Since 2013, Syrians entering Egypt must apply for a special security clearance that costs $1,050-1,500 each time. The costly requirement has limited Syrian migration to Egypt, prevented many refugees from reuniting with their relatives outside the country and birthed an opaque industry of brokers.
Egypt is home to 1.5 million Syrians, thousands of whom have opened successful businesses in the country. Many consider Egypt a safe haven compared to other states in the region, where anti-refugee sentiments are on the rise. However, amid a worsening economic crisis, this golden age may be nearing its end.
For some families in Syria’s northeast, concerns over education in the Autonomous Administration’s school system are among the factors prompting them to send their underage children to Europe through irregular migration.
In SDF-held northeastern Syria, residents are selling and mortgaging their land and houses as a last resort to finance costly, and potentially deadly, journeys to Europe.
With Syria’s economy in shambles, residents of regime-held areas are looking for a way out of the country and into a “decent life.” Long lines, high passport fees and limited destinations stand in their way.
