The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that Egyptians living abroad can now settle their conscription status by paying $5,000 in dollars or euros. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to ease processes and ensure social stability for these individuals.

 

The decision came as a response to numerous requests from Egyptian citizens abroad who expressed concerns about returning to Egypt without having their conscription status settled, which could prevent them from leaving again.

 

Starting from August 14th, individuals can register for the conscription settlement initiative, which will remain open for 30 days on the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Passport renewal will only be allowed after their conscription status is resolved.

 

The settlement requests are applicable to Egyptians residing abroad, aged between 19 and 30, as well as those above the age of 30, based on their specific situations.

 

The Foreign Ministry's initiative provides a practical solution for these travelers by offering the option of resolving their status in exchange for a foreign currency payment. The economic context is challenging, with the Egyptian economy facing a liquidity crisis and difficulties in accumulating dollars. 

 

The delay in receiving the second tranche of the $3 billion IMF loan also adds to the concerns surrounding the country's economic situation. In June, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stated that there are no immediate plans to float the currency again, emphasizing that exchange rates are a matter of "national security" and decisions must positively impact the lives of Egyptians.