Mass Return of Sudanese from Egypt: Over 45,000 Repatriated Post-Eid Amid Egyptian Facilitation and Calls for Support

Sudan’s Consul General in Aswan, Ambassador Abdel Qader Abdullah, has confirmed a steady increase in the number of Sudanese citizens voluntarily returning from Egypt. Since the Eid al-Fitr holiday, over 45,000 individuals have been transported back, with a daily average of 2,500 people using around 50 buses—reaching up to 100 buses on some days.

He noted that the return of the Sinai ferry to service after maintenance has significantly eased congestion, particularly in the Abu Simbel area. Overflow traffic is now being redirected through the Argeen crossing to facilitate smoother movement.

The ambassador praised the Egyptian authorities for their generous cooperation, including not penalizing returnees who had entered Egypt irregularly or overstayed their visas, and waiving fines.

He also called on international donors and support organizations to increase funding and aid for the returnees, pointing out that the consulate’s capacity is limited and currently focused on exceptional cases only.

Despite limited services and damaged infrastructure due to the ongoing conflict, the ambassador affirmed that return to central, northern, and eastern states in Sudan is now possible, with ongoing efforts by local authorities to restore basic services.