Unregistered immigration boat – file
CAIRO – 2 March 2026: Ambassador Omar Amer, Egypt’s ambassador to Greece, affirmed that the Egyptian state provides its citizens abroad with full care and attention, and that the embassy always welcomes members of the Egyptian community to listen to their concerns and demands.
He called for holding regular meetings with them to follow up on their problems and raise them with the Greek authorities for resolution.
This came during Ambassador Omar Amer’s reception, at the embassy, of relatives of the victims of the recent illegal migration boat sinking off the coast of Crete.
He expressed his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims.Last week, a migrant boat sank off the southern coast of Crete on Friday, leaving at least five people dead and 26 missing, according to Greek authorities.
Initial reports indicate that dozens of people were on board the vessel when it went down.
Rescue teams searched waters south of Heraklion after a shipwreck near Kali Limenes; 20 people have been rescued as authorities continue efforts to rescue the others, according to the Greek news website “Tovima.”
The Egyptian ambassador to Greece stated that there is no alternative to adhering to legal and safe migration pathways and completely avoiding illegal migration routes.
He explained that the seasonal employment agreement is the best way to obtain safe and legal work opportunities, which the embassy is currently implementing with the Greek authorities, who welcome Egyptian workers due to their good reputation.
Repatriation of bodies and survivors’ situation
The meeting included an extensive discussion with the relatives of the victims, who inquired about the embassy’s efforts to follow up on the aftermath of the tragic incident, the procedures undertaken to repatriate the bodies to Egypt, and the status of the rescued citizens.
Ambassador Omar Amer affirmed that the embassy has been intensifying its communication with the Greek authorities since the incident to obtain all information regarding those rescued and those who died, so that their families can be notified.
He emphasized that the embassy is always committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to Egyptian citizens to ensure the protection of their interests and rights.
He urged members of the Egyptian community not to listen to or deal with any unofficial entities claiming to facilitate travel for employment opportunities, warning against unregistered immigration and its grave dangers.
Ambassador Omar Amer stressed that the time has come to completely halt attempts at unregistered immigration, given the loss of many of Egypt’s finest young people, and that this incident should be the last, in order to protect the lives of Egyptian citizens.