Egypt Enforces Travel Restrictions for Military-Aged Men Amid War Concerns

Egypt has restricted travel for military-aged men to Russia and Ukraine due to concerns over recruitment for the ongoing conflict. These regulations require mandatory approval from security authorities and reflect national security interests. The war has also impacted Egypt’s economy and tourism. Experts warn of potential security risks from nationals returning after involvement in foreign militaries.

Egypt has implemented new travel regulations for military-aged men, specifically those between 18 and 35 years old, seeking to travel to Russia and Ukraine. This measure is a response to concerns about potential recruitment of Egyptians by military forces in the ongoing conflict. The regulations require mandatory approval from security authorities for travel to these countries, aimed at safeguarding national security.

Ibrahim al-Masri, a member of the Egyptian parliament’s Committee on Defence and National Security, emphasized the significance of these regulations. He noted that some Egyptian students might be lured into becoming mercenaries in proxy wars, posing future threats to national security upon their return. He deemed these measures timely, reflecting the urgent need to protect Egypt’s security interests amid escalating tensions in the region.

The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war has extended beyond security concerns, adversely affecting Egypt’s economy and tourism. The nation traditionally garners a significant number of tourists from Russia and Ukraine, thus the ongoing war has substantially lowered tourist influxes. Additionally, Egypt has faced rising costs for agricultural imports, previously sourced mainly from these two countries.

Concerns about the involvement of Egyptian nationals in the conflict were heightened by a video that appeared to show an Egyptian captured while fighting alongside Russian troops. He described his situation in Russia, where financial pressures led him to join the military in exchange for release from incarceration. Although the exact number of Egyptians engaged in the conflict is unknown, analysts speculate this could range in the hundreds or thousands due to financial difficulties faced by students.

Security experts warn about the Russian army’s targeted recruitment strategy that offers enticing benefits to foreigners. General Mohamed al-Ghabari highlighted the need to raise awareness among Egyptian youth regarding the dangers associated with travel to war-torn regions and military recruitment. Following the onset of the war, many Egyptian students in Ukraine returned home, while a smaller number remained in Russia, often due to the lower costs of education.

Egypt’s historical experiences with returning fighters from foreign conflicts underscore the importance of vigilance regarding those returning from active combat zones. The government had faced challenges after many citizens participated in the Afghan jihad, seeking to prevent the re-emergence of jihadist activities. The current situation resonates with similar concerns, particularly with recent returnees from conflicts such as the Syrian civil war.

Despite maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing war, Egypt finds itself navigating complex relationships with both Russia and Ukraine. Historically, it has relied on these nations for a significant majority of its wheat imports and has fostered close military ties with Russia. The emergence of recruitment pressures for military service among its nationals complicates this diplomatic balance. Egyptian authorities have started enforcing stricter regulations on travel to Russia, confirming that enhanced scrutiny is being applied to travel permissions. In this climate, the Russian embassy acknowledged the government’s proactive measures but did not comment on the broader implications of military recruitment.

Egypt has enacted travel restrictions for military-aged men to Russia and Ukraine in response to growing concerns over recruitment into the ongoing conflict. The measures aim to protect national security amidst economic repercussions resulting from the war. Experts caution that the situation mirrors past experiences with returning fighters and highlight the importance of vigilance against potential security threats posed by individuals involved in foreign militaries. Egypt’s diplomatic balancing act continues despite these challenges as it seeks to maintain relations with both nations amidst the conflict.

Original Source: www.newarab.com