In addition to the international legal instruments outlined above, there are several Egyptian legal frameworks that impact the rights and protection of refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt.

The American University in Cairo Centre for Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS) Refugee Entitlements in Egypt February 2020 report offers a comprehensive analysis of refugee rights and entitlements as outlined by Egyptian national law. This includes the right to seek asylum granted by Article 91 of the Egyptian Constitution. It is important to reiterate, however, that the Egyptian Government does not preside over the granting of asylum or the refugee status determination (RSD) process, as it is the sole responsibility of UNHCR per the 1954 MoU. Regarding non-refoulement, the Egyptian Constitution does not expressly prohibit refoulement but does prevent the extradition of political refugees (CMRS, pg. 34). On these two points, the Egyptian Constitution may provide fewer actual protections/rights than the aforementioned international and regional legal instruments. 

UNHCR is the sole entity responsible for registering asylum seekers and conducting RSD in Egypt. It operates three offices: on 6th of October (Greater Cairo), Zamalek (Syrian nationals), and in Alexandria. Appointments for registering with UNHCR can be made via phone or in person. The UNHCR Egypt website provides detailed instructions for individuals seeking to register, information for case processing, and frequently asked questions. UNHCR Egypt similarly provides information regarding cash assistance, food assistance, health services, and protection needs, as well as details about the Government of Egypt processes for residence permits, access to education, and access to newborn birth certificates. The CMRS Refugee Entitlements in Egypt report also outlines the Egyptian legal framework for key rights areas such as family unity and reunification, employment, education, health, housing, detention and expulsion, access to courts, and documentation. While some entitlements are available to refugees on paper, there are significant implementation challenges in practice due to large numbers of registered and unregistered refugees and asylum seekers in Cairo and limited resources across several service areas. Additionally, the laws can be applied differently across nationalities (for example, Sudanese, South Sudanese, Syrian, and Yemeni refugees are afforded access to Egyptian public educational institutions whereas other nationalities are not) while cultural, linguistic, and religious biases can hinder local integration. 

UNHCR also works with a wide network of partners to provide refugees and asylum seekers support while in Egypt. The UNHCR Egypt website contains information sheets listing Partner Organizations in several languages which also review the registration and RSD procedures. 

The Government of Egypt allows refugee and asylum seekers registered with UNHCR to regularize their residency and grants six-month renewable residence permits. Nonetheless, the cost and procedures for accessing residency can create obstacles for some people seeking to do so. Without residency, refugees are subject to arrest and detention and are at risk of refoulement. For further information on detention practices in Egypt, please see the Egypt profile from the Global Detention Project. For reports on deportation practices and other related security issues, please see Refugees Platform in Egypt. The site is also a portal for legal information and advice for refugees in Egypt.