Egyptian migration to Europe traces its roots back to the early 19th century, following Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt (1798-1801). During this period, Muhammad ‘Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt, initiated missions to Europe with the goal of modernizing the country. In 1813, the first Egyptian delegation was sent to Italy to study the printing arts, followed by a mission to France in 1818 to study military and maritime sciences. These efforts aimed to establish a modern Egyptian Army modeled on European standards.
Since these early interactions, a continuous channel of communication between Egypt and Europe was established. Europeans also migrated to Egypt during the 19th and early 20th centuries, forming vibrant communities in cities like Alexandria and Cairo. However, the political and economic changes during the Nasser era, including the move toward socialism, led many European Egyptians to return to Europe. Concurrently, Egyptians themselves began migrating to Western countries during the 1960s. Today, Egyptians have established successful communities in most major European metropolitan areas.
The Rise of Permanent Egyptian Migration
From the 1960s onward, political, economic, and social transformations encouraged many Egyptians to migrate permanently to North America and Europe. According to estimates from the Egyptian Ministry of Manpower and Emigration, around 1.7 million Egyptians lived in non-Arab countries as of 2008. Over 90% of this population is concentrated in seven countries: the United States and Canada (780,000), the United Kingdom (250,000), Italy (190,000), France (160,000), Australia (80,000), and Greece (80,000). Within Europe, approximately 790,000 Egyptians reside in key destinations, primarily Italy, France, and the UK. These estimates are drawn from multiple sources, including embassy records, cross-border statistics, and emigration permits issued by the Egyptian government.
Egyptians in Europe are often perceived as more educated than their counterparts migrating to Gulf countries. They include government-sponsored students who chose to remain abroad to pursue research or teaching opportunities, as well as a growing cadre of successful business professionals.
The Emergence of Irregular Migration to Europe
A significant wave of irregular Egyptian migration to Europe began in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This stream largely involved young graduates and unemployed youth seeking opportunities abroad. They frequently traveled by sea via Libya or overstayed their Schengen tourist visas. Four main factors drive this form of migration:
- High unemployment rates among Egyptian youth.
- Limited job opportunities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to competition from low-wage Southeast Asian labor.
- Geographical proximity of Europe to Egypt.
- Ease of access to Libya, the primary departure point for irregular sea routes to Europe.
Changing Migration Preferences of Egyptian Youth
Historically, Saudi Arabia remained the preferred destination for Egyptian migrants. A 1996 European Commission study revealed that 40% of potential migrants aimed for Saudi Arabia, while only 6% intended to migrate to Europe. However, more recent surveys, such as one conducted by the European Training Foundation (ETF), show a shift in preferences: over 33% of young Egyptians now express a desire to migrate to Europe, while 61.9% still prefer Arab countries.
Economic Push Factors Driving Migration
Field studies conducted in 2006 highlighted economic factors as the dominant drivers of migration. Egyptian youth view migration, both regular and irregular, as a pathway to escape poverty and unemployment. Main reasons include:
- Low wages in Egypt compared to European salaries.
- Poor living conditions.
- Scarce employment opportunities, particularly for recent graduates.
At the time of the survey, roughly 40% of participants were not engaged in any form of paid employment.
Destination Choices and Migration Networks
The selection of European destination countries is influenced heavily by established migration networks. Unlike migration to Arab Gulf countries, which is regulated and brokered through certified agencies, Egyptian migration to Europe relies primarily on kinship and village-based networks. Specific villages often develop specialization in sending migrants to particular European countries. For example, one village in Fayoum predominantly sends migrants to Italy, while another in Gharbiya focuses on France. In some Nile Delta villages, migration patterns have shifted from the Gulf to Italy due to the perception that temporary work in Europe yields higher financial returns than prolonged employment in the Gulf.
Role of Remittances and Social Influence
The success of Egyptian migrants in Europe further stimulates migration streams. Remittances sent by these workers significantly impact their home communities, funding luxury homes, weddings, and other consumer expenses. Many young Egyptians believe that savings accumulated in one year of European employment exceed a lifetime’s earnings in Egypt, creating a strong incentive to migrate.
Temporary Migration and Intent to Return
Most Egyptian youth migrating to Europe plan to return after a temporary stay. Unlike migration to the Arab Gulf, where legal frameworks differ, European-bound Egyptian migration primarily involves temporary laborers seeking specific financial goals. This pattern mirrors historical migration trends to Gulf countries, where young males worked abroad to save money and then returned home.
Differences from Earlier Migration Waves
Contemporary Egyptian migration to Europe differs from the migration to Western countries in the 1960s and 1970s, which was driven by political unrest, socialism, and economic pressures. Early migrants were generally highly educated and financially established. Today’s migrants, however, often consist of less-educated young males facing poverty and unemployment—a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “migration of the poor.”
Policy Recommendations for Regulating Egyptian Manpower for Europe
Given the growing significance of Egyptian manpower for Europe, strategic policies are essential to optimize migration outcomes:
- Job Creation in Egypt: Encouraging foreign direct investment and supporting private sector growth can create local opportunities, reducing the pressure for irregular migration.
- Bilateral Agreements with European Countries: Negotiating quotas for Egyptian workers and ensuring legal channels for migration are vital for sustainable labor mobility.
- Emigration-Oriented Programs: Pre-departure training, skills certification, and job-matching programs can enhance the employability of Egyptian migrants abroad.
- Monitoring Remittances and Social Impacts: Leveraging remittances to develop local economies can provide incentives for productive migration and community development.
By implementing such strategies, Egypt can better regulate its manpower migration to Europe, ensuring that migration benefits both the host countries and the Egyptian workforce.
Conclusion
Egyptian manpower for Europe has evolved over two centuries, from early missions aimed at modernization to contemporary youth migration driven by economic necessity. While initial migration flows involved educated and skilled individuals, modern streams increasingly consist of youth seeking temporary labor opportunities. Understanding the dynamics of these migrations—economic push factors, village-based networks, and the role of remittances—is essential for policymakers aiming to balance local development with international labor opportunities.
By fostering structured migration policies, creating employment domestically, and establishing legal frameworks in collaboration with European countries, Egypt can maximize the benefits of Egyptian manpower for Europe while minimizing the risks associated with irregular migration. The experience of past and present migrants offers valuable insights for a future where Egyptian workers can thrive abroad while contributing positively to their home country.