Sudanese embassy denies requesting deportations from Egypt

January 30 2026 (CAIRO) – The Sudanese embassy in Cairo denied on Friday that recent arrests and deportations of Sudanese nationals in Egypt were carried out at the request of the Sudanese government.

Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt Imad al-Din Adawi told a press conference that claims by an Egyptian journalist suggesting Khartoum had directed the deportations were “illusions” and crossed “red lines.”

Adawi stated there are no more than 400 Sudanese prisoners in Egypt, which he said demonstrated high levels of discipline within a community of some 6 million people. He added that the Egyptian labour ministry had directed the issuance of work permits for Sudanese residents and reduced associated fees.

The denial comes as Sudanese political forces urged Egyptian authorities to halt forced returns. The Civil Democratic Alliance for Revolutionary Forces, known as “Somoud,” called for an end to the arrests, warning of risks facing deportees while the war continues in Sudan.

According to UNHCR data, Egypt has received more than 1.5 million Sudanese since the conflict broke out on April 15 2023. Between 650,000 and 700,000 are officially registered as refugees or asylum seekers, making the Sudanese the largest refugee group in the country.

The Somoud alliance urged the UNHCR and Egyptian authorities to speed up registration procedures to ensure legal protection, while acknowledging Egypt’s right to regulate its internal affairs.

Separately, the Umma Party led by Mubarak al-Fadil requested a two-month humanitarian grace period to regularise the status of Sudanese who entered Egypt irregularly. Al-Fadil expressed gratitude to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for welcoming those fleeing the war and praised Egypt’s role in hosting political dialogues in 2023 and 2024.

Political groups emphasised that conditions in Sudan are not yet suitable for safe and dignified voluntary return due to ongoing security and economic challenges. International rights reports indicate that deportations have escalated since late 2023 following a tightening of residency requirements.