Cairo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, alongside the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), have formalized an implementation agreement for the second phase of the Egyptian-German Center for Jobs, Migration, and Reintegration (EGC).

According to State Information Service Egypt, the initiative is designed to empower Egyptian youth in their migration or reintegration journeys. The European Union, acting as a key partner, supports this mission to foster sustainable development and create inclusive opportunities.

The agreement was signed in the presence of H.E. Dr. Rania El Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, H.E. Ambassador Jrgen Schulz, German Ambassador to Egypt, and Ms. Anne Kofoed, Team Leader – Social Cohesion, Governance, and Migration in the European Union Delegation to Egypt. The signatories included H.E. Ambassador Nabil Habashi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, and Dr. Regine Qualmann, Country Director of GIZ Egypt, demonstrating a firm commitment to the initiative.

Since its inception in 2020, under Egypt’s “Life-Saving Boats” presidential initiative, the EGC has been pivotal in providing migration services in Egypt. The Center offers skills development and training programs, career guidance and job placement services, advisory services on regulated migration pathways to Germany, and support for the sustainable reintegration of Egyptian returnees.

Ambassador Habashi emphasized the tangible benefits of international cooperation in creating economic prospects for Egyptian youth both in Egypt and abroad. Ambassador Schulz highlighted Germany’s commitment to developing scalable and sustainable labour mobility pathways with Egypt that serve both nations’ interests and the aspirations of migrants.

The centre’s operations are underpinned by the “Migration for Development” program, implemented by GIZ Egypt with financial backing from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union. This support is crucial in advancing the initiative.

This collaboration aims to continue creating opportunities for Egyptian youth, underscoring the European-Egyptian commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment. Ms. Anna Kofoed expressed the European Union’s pleasure in contributing to the shared vision of curbing irregular migration and opening pathways for safe and regular migration as part of the Egypt-EU Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership.

The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders and partners who have supported the center’s success over the past four years. Moving forward, the partnership aims to strengthen legal migration and sustainable reintegration through innovative and collaborative approaches.

The EGC was established in 2020 as a comprehensive hub for migration services, focusing on labour mobility, sustainable reintegration, and providing socio-economic alternatives to irregular migration.