### Title: Egypt’s Economic Struggles Fuel Hostility Towards Refugees

### Summary: Once welcoming to refugees, Egypt’s approach is shifting as economic challenges arise. Pro-government figures now voice opposition to the influx of Syrians and others, blaming them for rising living costs.

In a dramatic shift, Egypt's once-hospitable stance towards refugees has hardened as the nation grapples with escalating economic challenges exacerbated by regional conflicts. As the economic landscape deteriorates, officials are spotlighting the plight of refugees from war-torn countries like Syria, Sudan, and Gaza. In a recent episode of her talk show, TV anchor Azza Mostafa, noted for her previous warm remarks towards Syrian families, now issues sharp criticism against the rising numbers of outsiders in Egypt.

She claimed, “This has become unbearable,” expressing concern that refugees were driving up the cost of living and contributing to social issues. The shift in rhetoric reflects a broader trend of tightening policy towards migrants in Egypt—a country historically seen as a refuge for those fleeing conflict.

The influx of foreigners, including Syrians, Sudanese, and recently Palestinians, has surged since 2011 as conflicts rage in their home countries. For more than a decade, Egypt welcomed these newcomers, allowing them to work and settle with relative ease. However, as economic strains deepened due to conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya, the narrative surrounding refugees has become increasingly negative.

Egypt’s leaders are using the arrival of these groups as a focal point for financial aid appeals to Western nations, positioning the crisis as a national burden. The shift in sentiment, from hospitality to hostility, raises questions about what the future holds for Egypt’s diverse diaspora. As the government seeks to balance economic pressure and humanitarian responsibilities, the evolving dynamics pose significant challenges for both the state and the international community.