Circular and return migration of Egyptian migrant workers in Libya

Abstract

The return of Egyptian migrants to Egypt following the onset of crisis in Libya in 2011 raises important questions about their classification as “returnees.” This article demonstrates the impact of the crisis on Egyptians' livelihoods. Field research conducted in Egypt in 2016 reveals that, at least in part, from 2011 onwards Egyptians were engaged in circular migration to and from Libya as a livelihood strategy because of failed reintegration in Egypt. The Egyptian government, intergovernmental and non‐governmental organisations provided varied levels of protection and assistance in evacuating migrants; however, they lacked awareness about returnees' socio‐economic needs. Egyptians were largely unsupported by state and non‐state institutions upon their return and therefore remained reliant on families and social networks. Initiatives aimed at providing aid to returnees, such as those introduced in Ghana and Niger, were generally absent in the Egyptian context. The absence of support had other unintended consequences, including increased levels of domestic violence and reduced educational opportunities for children in households hosting returnees.