Sudanese Families Flee Egypt’s Economic Crisis, Return Home in Droves
As the conflict in Sudan continues, a surprising trend has emerged: thousands of Sudanese families are leaving Egypt and returning to their homeland. The reason behind this reverse migration is not the war, but the worsening economic conditions in Egypt. Daily arrivals at the Qustul-Ashkeet border crossing in Wadi Halfa, northern Sudan, have exceeded 20,000, with many struggling to make ends meet in Egypt.
A Sudanese national in Egypt, speaking to Radio Dabanga, attributed the reverse migration to the rising cost of living. He noted that rental prices and daily expenses in Egypt have become unsustainable for many, exacerbated by the sharp rise in the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Egyptian pound. “Conditions in Egypt are now unbearable,” he said, adding that many Sudanese who initially found refuge in areas of Cairo like El Faisal, Garden City, and Maadi have exhausted their savings.
Unable to afford rent, some moved to more affordable areas in the city, such as Badr City and 10th of Ramadan City, while others opted to return to Sudan. The financial strain has also affected education, with many families unable to cover their children’s school fees, prompting them to return to Sudan. Some families have made the decision to leave Egypt but have yet to act on it.
According to the Sudan News Agency, an official at the Qustul-Ashkeet border crossing reported that 7,890 people crossed in August, with the figure rising to 12,239 in September. Most of those returning are families, and the trend is expected to continue in the coming days. Some observers attribute the decision of Sudanese families to return to the renewed confidence instilled by the recent military gains of the Sudanese Armed Forces, who have reclaimed parts of Khartoum.
As the economic crisis in Egypt continues to worsen, it remains to be seen how many more Sudanese families will make the decision to return home. One thing is certain, however: the Sudanese people are seeking a better life, and they are willing to take a chance on their homeland to achieve it.
