Committee for Voluntary Return: We Contributed to the Return of Hundreds of Sudanese from Egypt

Cairo – Sudanhorizon- Sabah Moussa
The head of the Hope Committee for Voluntary Return, Mohamed Wadaa, has explained that hundreds of Sudanese have voluntarily returned from Egypt as part of his committee’s action, including booking approximately 120 seats on six flights.
In an exclusive statement, Wadaa said that the committee focused in the first phase on the return of those found in violation with Egyptian immigration and passport laws, and who are handled at the airport. He noted that the committee also targets Sudanese who have given up efforts to be taken in by the UNHCR and wished to return to the country.
Wadaa added that a large number of Sudanese residents in Egypt have expressed desire to return home after taking their secondary school exams in April. He further explained that the committee has developed a plan to accommodate all those wishing to return, noting the launch of a dedicated website on Sunday that allows Sudanese residents in Egypt to register their information so that return trips according to their travel destinations, are planned.
He emphasized that this platform will contribute to streamlining and better organizing the procedures.

Wadaa further explained that the committee has also established a WhatsApp hotline for bookings and is currently working on setting up a call center to receive calls from those wishing to return. He added that the committee will assign volunteer representatives to meet with those wishing to return at their locations to assist them with booking procedures and choosing the most suitable means of transport for each case, especially for the elderly or those with huge luggage.
Wadaa explained that the committee received direct support from airlines in the form of a 50% discount on ticket prices. He added that several businessmen also donated to support the project. He stated that the donated funds are deposited into the Ministry of Finance’s account at the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo, and disbursements are overseen by the Auditor General to ensure transparency. He emphasized that those returning under this project will travel free of charge, with all return costs covered. He also mentioned that the committee issued a tender to select bus companies that would submit suitable bids for organizing the overland return trips.
Wadaa noted that the committee received direct support from state institutions, most notably the Ministry of Social Affairs, which will contribute to receiving the returnees, providing them with health and psychological guidance, and offering assistance. He further indicated that there are promises from Egyptian civil society organizations to contribute to the project’s success. He expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian government and people for their past and ongoing support for Sudanese citizens during the current crisis, and expressed his hope for continued Egyptian support to help implement this project.
Wadaa has emphasized that the Hope Committee for Voluntary Return is an independent committee and not a governmental body, and it operates within the framework of the law and is protected by the constitution, explaining that it is a voluntary organization that undertakes the implementation of the voluntary return project for Sudanese from Egypt.

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