Perceptions of Migrants and Safety in Egypt
Navigating Complexity Amid Regional Pressures
Due to its location along the Mediterranean and its proximity to a number of regional conflicts, Egypt has long served as a key transit hub for migrants and asylum seekers. But as regional pressures mount, so too do questions about how Egyptians view migration, community safety and the impact on social cohesion.
To better understand public sentiment, ARK conducted a national survey via Premise*, in May 2025. Within days, over 570 respondents from across the country shared their views on border security, drugs, safety, and migration.
Their responses provide a grounded snapshot of how communities are experiencing these overlapping challenges.
Survey Respondent Map
Survey Demographics and Methodology
The survey captured responses from all over the country. Around a third of the respondents were women, and most participants (65%) were under the age of 35. Respondents were predominantly Egyptian citizens (88%), but temporary or permanent residents also responded (6%). A small fraction reported being refugees. The sample represented various sectors, including the private and public sectors, students, teachers, and housewives.
Key Findings on Immigration and Migration
Most respondents identified the pursuit of a better life and fleeing violence as the primary reasons migrants come to Egypt. Contrary to popular perceptions, very few respondents felt that migrants were predisposed to crime or forced into migration by human traffickers. These findings suggest a more empathetic view of migrants, with a significant portion of Egyptians recognising their plight.
Local Attitudes Towards Migrants
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In fact, when asked about the factors that cause migrants to come to Egypt, most respondents said that they are seeking a better life, or that they were forced to flee their home country due to violence. Almost none of the respondents expressed that they believe migrants are inclined to commit crimes, nor are they coerced by human traffickers to cross the border.
Factors Leading to Migration
When it comes to relations between Egyptians and migrants, half of the survey participants described them as either "mostly positive" or "somewhat positive." Only 8% viewed the relationship negatively. However, nearly half of respondents felt that migration itself had become more problematic in the past five years, citing issues such as job competition and overcrowding in migrant-heavy areas as significant concerns. Despite these challenges, nearly half of respondents reported regular interactions with migrants, with a quarter engaging on a daily basis.
Border Security and Drug Smuggling
Egyptians report that their border forces are highly committed to preventing illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Nonetheless, the survey revealed that almost half of respondents believe drug-related issues have increased in the past five years, with nearly 70% acknowledging the negative impact drugs have had on their communities.
Perceptions of Safety in Local Communities
Safety and Crime Concerns
Interestingly, 56% of respondents reported a recent improvement in safety in their areas. However, when asked about types of crime, harassment of women was a major concern for 43% of respondents, surpassing concerns about theft or robbery. This highlights ongoing social challenges despite an overall positive trend in perceived community safety.
Do you feel that narcotics have had a negative impact on your community?
Conclusion: So What? Shifting Perspectives on Immigration.
Overall, our findings indicate a complex, multifaceted view of immigration and border security in Egypt. While migration presents challenges, such as job competition and overcrowding, the overall sentiment toward migrants is largely positive. Egyptians recognise the hardships faced by migrants and seem generally supportive of efforts to combat illegal immigration and smuggling.
As Egypt continues to navigate regional instability, understanding public opinion on these issues will be crucial for shaping future immigration policies and ensuring national security.
*Premise is a primary data collection and insights company that conducts surveys in 140 countries through a mobile app. For more information, visit https://premise.com/