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Repository of Practices

Aslak Altayeb (Your Good Origin) Initiative

Primary GCM Objectives

GCM Guiding Principles*

*All practices are to uphold the ten guiding principles of the GCM. This practice particularly exemplifies these listed principles.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dates

2021 - Present

Type of practice

Project/Programme

Geographic scope

Regions:

Sub Regions:

Summary

The “Aslak Altayeb” initiative, launched by the Ministry of Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates' Affairs, aims at the contribution of Egyptians abroad in supporting and developing the economic, educational, health and social aspects of the Egyptian rural villages within the framework of the national project “Hayah Karima" (aka Decent life), which is a multi-faceted and integrated national initiative endorsed by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. It seeks to raise the standard of living in more than 4,000 Egyptian villages, and improving the quality of life for 58 million citizens over the next 3 years including various health, social, and living aspects. This initiative includes Implementation of several infrastructure projects for citizens in different governorates, starting with Fayoum governorate in Egypt, which is one of the top ten governorates with high rates of irregular migration.

Organizations

Main Implementing Organization(s)

Government of Egypt

Detailed Information

Ministry of Emigration, Egyptian Expatriates' Affairs

Benefit and Impact

The “Aslak Altayeb” initiative aims to improve the social and health indicators, and economic empowerment in villages, in a way that contributes to achieving integrated and sustainable development through the contributions of Egyptians living abroad. Egyptians abroad contribute in the “Aslak Altayeb” initiative to assist in building a decent life for communities in the villages which are the source of high rates of irregular migrants, which are among the villages targeted for development in the "Hayah Karima" initiative, to raise the standard of living for the people of these villages in line with the concept of sustainable villages.

Regular discussions with the immigrants showed genuine interest to contribute to the improvement of social and health indicators and economic empowerment in Egypt particularly to the areas where immigrants come from, in order to ensure a decent life for the new generation.

The efforts of Egyptians abroad was also reflected in their participation in supporting the state’s efforts to confront disasters, by providing immediate support to the people of Aswan during the flood crisis, as well as in the face of climate changes. A number of Egyptians abroad participated in the "Be Prepared for Green" campaign in Gharbia to confront climate change, starting from the village of "Saft Trab", which comes in line with Egypt's preparations to host the COP 27.

“Your Good Origin” initiative also succeeded in supporting many hospitals with medical devices, in addition to participating in mobile medical convoys in several governorates, to share their experiences in supporting the health of citizens from the most vulnerable groups.

Key Lessons

The challenges included establishing a reliable communication mechanism with the Egyptian diaspora, as well as the means for communicating to them the available opportunities for them to assist in the national developmental efforts. Once these challenges were addressed for this one initiative, similar projects/initiatives will be easier to plan and implement.

Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)

First step is for the government to establish a reliable communication mechanism with the diaspora.
The government should always reach out to the diaspora whenever there are national developmental efforts in need of support whether financial or technical. Support of the diaspora should not only be limited financial, but can also include technical expertise.

Innovation

The initiative has several targets:
Including diaspora in developmental efforts of their country of origin, while targeting the governorates with the highest rates of irregular migration as a way to combat the phenomenon. It targets the root causes of irregular migration in these governorates which are mainly the lack of economic opportunities and basic services.

Additional Resources

Date submitted:

01 April 2022

Disclaimer: The content of this practice reflects the views of the implementers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations, the United Nations Network on Migration, and its members.

 

 

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).