Policy versus practice: Syrian refugee doctors in Egypt

Ghobrial, Andrew; Sabouni, Ammar; Rayes, Diana; Janoudi, Saad; Bdaiwi, Yamama; Howard, Natasha; Abbara, Aula

doi:10.1080/13623699.2023.2229215

Cited by 1 publication

(4 citation statements)

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“…Despite official policies which appeared to support Syrian HCWS to enter the workforce in Egypt, in practice there were multiple barriers which are noted by the KIs. The most important noted barrier to employment in healthcare in Egypt was the lack of provision of licences to practise for Syrians though, in theory they were eligible [ 13 , 25 ]. However, the process was not transparent and was complicated by bureaucracy, forcing many Syrians to reluctantly take up informal work due to financial adversity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are multiple barriers to legal status for Syrians in Egypt. Refusals for tourist visas since the conflict, in addition to requirements to have a visa approved prior to travel make staying in Egypt legally difficult [ 13 ]. The KIs also expressed concerns about the restrictions on financial support and on their movement out of the country to see relatives if they registered with UNHCR.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The political landscape in Egypt has influenced shifting societal attitudes and policies towards Syrian refugees. Such trends can be divided chronologically into: before 2012, up to the Egyptian presidential election; 2012-2013, as the Syrian conflict escalated; and 2014 onwards, as the military government in Egypt took power [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Egypt, as in Lebanon and Jordan [ 16 ], Syrian doctors may therefore have little option but to work informally to earn for their families. [ 13 , 17 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Experiences of Egypt as a destination and transit country for Syrian refugee healthcare workers: a qualitative study

Ghobrial,

Rayes,

Sabouni

et al. 2023

BMC Health Serv Res

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Background Refugee healthcare workers (HCWs) can make important contributions in host countries, particularly in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated existing shortages of frontline HCWs. However, refugee HCWs often face challenges entering the labour markets of such countries even where needs exist. Syria’s decade-long conflict has forced thousands of HCWs from their homes; however, data on this population are limited, impeding the formation of policies that can support them. This study explores the experiences of Syrian refugee HCWs in Egypt. Methods Key informants (KIs) were selected using purposive and snowball sampling method and semi-structured interviews were conducted in person in Cairo and remotely from the UK during July 2019. Interviews were conducted in Arabic and analysed using a combined deductive and inductive thematic analysis framework after transcription into English. Results Fifteen KI interviews were analysed. The main emerging themes from the qualitative interviews are those relating to 1. Education, training, and licensing 2. Politics and bureaucracy 3. Societal factors 4. Economic factors. Political changes in Egypt altered opportunities for Syrian HCWs over time; however, refugee HCWs broadly reported acceptance among Egyptian patients and colleagues. Bureaucratic factors which impede the ability of Syrian refugee HCWs to obtain a full license to practice and leave to remain and the absence of clearly defined policies were reported as barriers. Economic factors including the risk of economic exploitation e.g. in the informal sector and financial insecurity were noted to have a negative psychosocial impact. Conclusions This is the first qualitative research study which explores the experiences of Syrian refugee HCWs in Egypt. It adds to the sparse literature on the topic of Syrian refugee HCWs but provides evidence for further discussions on how to support refugee HCWs in Egypt and in other host countries in the region. Though interviews were conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic itself lends urgency to the discussion around refugee HCWs on an international level.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Egypt, as in Lebanon and Jordan [ 16 ], Syrian doctors may therefore have little option but to work informally to earn for their families. [ 13 , 17 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations