Refugees of the Syrian civil war in Egypt

Syrian refugees in Egypt refers to Syrian nationals who have fled the Syrian civil war and reside in Egypt. Syrians began arriving in Egypt in notable numbers following the escalation of the conflict in 2012. Although Egypt does not share a border with Syria, it has become a destination for Syrians seeking safety, primarily entering through air travel or via third countries.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are approximately 139,000–150,000 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers officially registered in Egypt as of early 2025, However Some estimates suggest that up to 1–1.5 million Syrians may be living in Egypt,making Syrians one of the largest registered refugee populations in the country. Registered Syrians form part of Egypt’s broader refugee and asylum-seeker population, which also includes significant numbers of Sudanese and other nationalities.

The total number of Syrians residing in Egypt, including those not registered with UNHCR or holding other forms of legal residency, is estimated by international organizations and media sources to be substantially higher. Some estimates suggest that up to 1–1.5 million Syrians may be living in Egypt, many of whom entered the country through migration rather than formal refugee pathways.

Syrians in Egypt generally reside in urban communities rather than refugee camps, as Egypt does not operate camps for Syrian refugees. Many Syrians participate in various sectors of the economy, including small business ownership and professional services, and have access to public education and healthcare. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has publicly referred to Syrians in Egypt as “guests” rather than refugees, a characterization frequently cited as reflecting an official approach that emphasizes dignity, hospitality, and social inclusion.. Syrian nationals are permitted to establish and operate businesses, and to access public services, conditions that are not uniformly available to Syrians in other host countries.