In 2016, Egypt launched a ten-year national strategy on combating illegal migration under the auspices of the National Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration.

The Strategy, which is implemented through biennal action plans, has prevented illegal immigration from Egypt’s coasts since 2016, while ensuring the protection of victims, raising awareness and providing viable alternatives to illegal migration. In addition, Egypt adopted law no 82 of 2016 on Combatting Illegal Migration and smuggling of migrants to complement Law no 64 of 2010 on combatting human trafficking. Together, these two laws establish a comprehensive legal framework to put an end to human trafficking, smuggling of migrants and forced labour, to protect the rights of victims including their right to livelihoods, humane treatment, mental and physical wellbeing, as well as to exercise universal jurisdiction over these crimes to bring perpetrators to justice.