Poverty, racism and forced disappearances: why Sudanese war refugees are leaving Egypt for Europe
Sudanese refugees in Cairo are trapped by racism, arbitrary arrests and economic hardship, prompting many to consider dangerous crossings to Europe. The article explores their daily struggles, the threat of deportation, and the desperate measures they take to survive.
Sudanese refugees have poured into Cairo since the civil war erupted in April 2023, with estimates of 1.3 million people seeking shelter in the Egyptian capital. Yet instead of the safety they imagined, many find themselves in a living nightmare of racism, arbitrary detention and economic marginalisation.
From War to Hostile Host
The conflict in Sudan has already claimed at least 150,000 lives and forced about 4.5 million people to flee. While some have found refuge in Chad, South Sudan, Libya and Egypt, the UN has called the war the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. In Cairo, the situation is far from secure. The UN reports an “intensifying campaign of arbitrary arrests and human rights violations” against Sudanese nationals, with a surge in deportations since late 2025. These deportations often occur without any assessment of the risk of torture or harm that the individuals might face if returned to Sudan.
One refugee, 26‑year‑old Nadir, describes the daily reality: “Here in Egypt, you are confined like a criminal. It offers so little prospect of a future that you begin to lose yourself.” He recounts being attacked in the street because of his skin colour and the constant fear that he could be detained for a short visit to buy water. Nadir has already made one dangerous attempt to reach Italy by boat through Libya, only to be kidnapped by smugglers, held for seven months and released back in Egypt. His friend did not survive the ordeal.
Living in Limbo and the Struggle for Housing
Finding affordable accommodation is another hurdle. Many landlords assume that Sudanese refugees have overseas funds and treat them as “walking wallets.” 23‑year‑old Yassin, who now cares for his three younger sisters after his father’s death, says the money they receive is almost entirely spent on rent. He and other refugees often turn to informal jobs—dishwashing, cleaning, working in carpet shops—to make ends meet. Yet the lack of legal status leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, with some employers paying below the minimum wage and threatening to report them to authorities if they try to leave.
Yassin’s story illustrates a broader pattern: refugees are trapped in a cycle of poverty and legal uncertainty. “We would like to contribute to the Egyptian economy, but as long as we do not have legal status, our lives remain so restricted that we are left in limbo,” he says. The fear of deportation, combined with the lack of stable income, forces many to consider leaving Egypt entirely.
The Mediterranean Dream and Its Dangers
For those who cannot find a way back to Sudan or a safe life in Egypt, the Mediterranean offers a glimmer of hope—albeit a perilous one. The route from Libya to Italy is fraught with smuggler exploitation, overcrowded boats and the constant threat of capsizing. The story of Nadir’s failed attempt underscores the high human cost: seven months of captivity, the loss of a friend, and the ongoing risk of death for those who try again.
While some refugees hope to return to a stable Sudan, the prevailing reality is that many are forced to choose between staying in a hostile environment or risking a dangerous journey across the sea. The decision is rarely simple, as it involves family responsibilities, legal status, and the ever‑present threat of violence.
What Happens Next?
Egyptian authorities continue to tighten controls on Sudanese refugees, and the UN warns that the situation could worsen if the war in Sudan escalates further. Meanwhile, the international community is urged to provide more robust protection and resettlement options for those who cannot safely remain in Egypt or return home. Until then, Sudanese refugees in Cairo will likely remain in a precarious state, balancing the hope of a better future against the harsh realities of their present.
Why it matters
The plight of Sudanese refugees in Egypt highlights the urgent need for international protection and resettlement solutions, as they face racism, arbitrary arrests and economic exploitation while considering dangerous crossings to Europe.
Key points
- Sudanese refugees in Cairo face racism and arbitrary arrests
- Deportations often occur without risk assessment
- Housing costs consume most of refugees’ limited funds
- Informal jobs expose refugees to wage exploitation
- Many consider perilous Mediterranean crossings for survival
Frequently asked questions
Why are Sudanese refugees being deported from Egypt?
Egyptian authorities have intensified arbitrary arrests and deportations of Sudanese nationals, often without assessing the risk of torture or harm if they return to Sudan.
What legal status do Sudanese refugees have in Egypt?
Most lack formal residence permits, leaving them vulnerable to detention and exploitation by employers.
What risks do refugees face when attempting to cross the Mediterranean?
They risk smuggler exploitation, overcrowded boats, and potential capsizing, with many losing their lives or being held captive.
