A significant panel discussion titled "The Phenomenon of Irregular Migration and Ways to Address It" took place recently, marking a concerted effort by various academics and stakeholders to address the multi-faceted issue of irregular migration.  The event saw the participation of Ambassador Nabila Makram, Egypt's Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates' Affairs. This critical dialogue was organised by the Migration Research Unit (MRU), a Unit formed between Cairo University and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in Cairo. It was held under the patronage of Professor Mohamed Osman Elkhosht, President of Cairo University, and Professor Mahmoud El-Said, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science.

The panel discussion brought together an array of esteemed academics and experts, including Dr. Adla Ragab, Professor of Economics and Coordinator of the Migration Research Unit, Dr. Heba Nassar, Professor of Economics, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Professor of Sociology, Dr. Amani Massoud, Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Ayman Zahry, a distinguished expert in population and migration studies.

The primary focus of the discussion was to dissect the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of irregular migration. The panelists collectively underscored the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle irregular migration effectively. They emphasised that addressing the issue requires a combination of economic development, political stability, social interventions, and media engagement. The discussion concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, and civil society, to collaborate in developing and implementing strategies that mitigate the factors driving irregular migration.

This panel provided a platform for a thorough examination of the issue from various angles. The insights shared by the experts highlighted the complexity of irregular migration and the necessity of a holistic approach to address its underlying causes. The event marked a significant step towards fostering a deeper understanding of irregular migration and promoting coordinated efforts to address this global challenge.