Ambassador Bahah discusses the situation of the Yemeni community with Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs.

On November 18, 2024, Khaled Bahah, Yemen’s ambassador to Egypt, met with Tamer El-Ghalaby, the Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Egyptians Abroad. The two officials discussed various issues concerning the Yemeni community residing in Egypt.

Concerns for Yemenis in Gaza

During the meeting, Ambassador Bahah highlighted the plight of Yemeni nationals stranded in Gaza. He emphasized the embassy’s ongoing efforts to assist these individuals, especially since the escalation of violence in the region. Bahah reiterated the Yemeni government’s request for support from Egypt and Qatar to facilitate the evacuation of these citizens.

Educational Challenges for Yemeni Schools

Ambassador Bahah also addressed the status of Yemeni schools in Egypt. He revealed that the embassy had submitted a request to regularize the schools’ operations and obtain the necessary licenses for the 2024/2025 academic year. This initiative aims to ensure the continuity of education for over 6,000 Yemeni students. However, the embassy was surprised by a recent decision to close these schools, putting the students’ educational futures at risk.

Security Approval Concerns

The ambassador raised concerns regarding the sudden increase in security approval fees for individuals traveling from Yemen and abroad. These fees have become burdensome, particularly for those seeking medical treatment or education. Additionally, delays in security approvals for medical scholarship students have adversely affected their training and career prospects.

Enhancing Air Travel Connections

The discussion also included proposals to expedite flight operations between Al-Riyan and Cairo airports. This initiative aims to facilitate travel for citizens in eastern Yemen who require medical services or educational opportunities, as well as those needing to reach third-party destinations.

Addressing the Situation of Yemeni Prisoners

The meeting touched on the fate of Yemeni prisoners serving sentences in Egyptian jails. Ambassador Bahah discussed the mechanisms for their repatriation to serve the remainder of their sentences in Yemen, in accordance with a 2006 prisoner exchange agreement between the two nations. Furthermore, the embassy submitted a plea to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to reconsider the death sentences issued against six Yemeni nationals.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Ambassador Bahah praised the strong ties between Yemen and Egypt, affirming that Egypt remains a favored destination for Yemenis due to its historical connections. He expressed the embassy’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.

In response, Assistant Foreign Minister El-Ghalaby assured that the Yemeni community will always find a warm welcome in Egypt. He committed to addressing the discussed issues promptly through the relevant authorities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to resolve the challenges faced by the Yemeni community in Egypt. Attendees included Dr. Muneef Al-Dhubayani, media advisor Bileigh Al-Makhlafi, and cultural advisor Dr. Hadi Al-Sabaan, all of whom contributed to the constructive dialogue.

This meeting highlights the ongoing cooperation between Yemen and Egypt, focusing on the welfare of Yemeni nationals and the strengthening of diplomatic relations.

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