You are :
1/6/2002
|
Home »» Reports
|
Egyptians Abroad: Lost rights at home and abroad
|
Typical Cases
1)Citizen Salah Mustafa Shehata
He traveled to work in Saudi Arabia as a salesman for Abdulaziz Al Raghy Company, Wady Al Dawaser branch in Riyadh. The company had postponed transactions with its clients and Salah had to collect the money. However, he found the company demanding the postponed money from him without giving him a chance to collect them money, then he was detained for case no. 5435/1420 Hejry, and the court decided to imprison him for five months for failing to pay the money, and he was taken into prison from October 1999 at the General Prison of Al Malaz at Riyadh, then transferred to Al Hayer prison in Riyadh, without the presence of anybody sponsoring him. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities regarding his release, in order to pay the money demanded from him.
2)Ehab Saladin Abdulaziz Mohamed - unfair trial
He traveled to Saudi Arabia in order to work as a salesman at a sales company, Al Hamad firm and its owner Mr. Khaled Soliman Al Hamad (the sponsor). And due to arguments between him and his sponsor and the sponsor's delay in paying him his 2% percentage, Ehab filed a case with no. 5678/6 (forgery case) on 8/8/1424 Hejry against the sponsor, but the papers of the case disappeared from the court and no legal procedures were taken against the sponsor, who filed a complaint against Ehab, who was arrested for case no. 356/292/29/92 South Damam district, and until now he is spending the imprisonment against him, for one year, in spite that the period elapsed.
3)Abdulmoniem Alsayed Abdulaziz - banned from traveling
He traveled to France on 1981 searching for a job, then he worked as a cook in Oriental restaurant in Paris, but since 2003 his health deteriorated because of liver disease, then he entered hospital to receive medical care, then decided to return to Egypt on a visit to his folks, and to continue taking his medical care in it, but he died. After his death his family on October 10th 2005 asked the French embassy in Cairo for a permission to travel to France in order to collect his money, but the embassy refused the demand, and until now the family can not pursue the money of the deceased.
"My brother Abdulmoniem Alsayed Abdulaziz used to work and reside in France, and he had his residence permissiont here, but on July 21st 2005 during his visit to Egypt, he died, and since his death we have been trying to collect his money from France, but our demand for a permission to travel was turned down" - Salah Alsayed Abdulaziz, the deceased's brother.
4)Mahmoud Mohamed Abdulbaky - detention and deportation
More than 28 years ago he traveled to Saudi Arabia to work as a technician at a heavy equipment garage in Al Bawady industrial region, and the owner of the garage was Radda Allah Salim Olitha Al Harby (sponsor). He worked for him, and in 2004 he faced an accident that resulted in a broken arm, so he had to return to Egypt to receive proper medication, and on Rabie Awal 6th 1424 Hejry, during his return to KSA, he was arrested at the airport or Jedah by the Saudi authorities, and was taken to the Ab'aad prison in Jedah, where he remained detained for 42 days, during which he faced inhuman treatment, then deported to Egypt on 8/7/1425 Hejry, without allowing him to carry on working or settle his financial affairs.
5)Mesbah Youssif Godah - disappearance
During 1988 he traveled to Iraq searching for a job, and he worked as a teacher at the Industrial High School in Saladin governorate, Hay Al Shohada'a region. He settled there and married an Iraqi woman, had his children from her, and was in continuous contact with Egypt. However, with the start of the year 2006 his contact ceased, and his wife reported his disappearance on January 16th 2006 after he disappeared, and after American troops forced entry into his house at Al Shohada, and arrested him without expressing any legal reasons for such an act.
6)Salah Mohamed Salim Alsayed - Arbitrary detention
He traveled to Saudi Arabia to work as a salesman at Al Shark Al Awsat Installations Company, with the sponsorship of Mr. Khalil Fakih. During 1999, and after financial dispute between them, he left his work. After 10 months his sponsorship was transferred to another person, but his first sponsor used his powers to detain Salah at Al Kussiem Police stateion, and banned visits to him. He wasn't investigated with, and his detention has no legal support.
7)Ahmed Khairy Abdulsalam - disappearance
He worked as an officer on Alexandros liner, a ship owned by a company from Jordan. It sailed on December 27th 2004 carrying the flag of Panama from Al Akaba port in Jordan to Tunisia, with a 12 persons crew on its board, most of them are Egyptians. On January 4th 2005 the ship disappeared, and it was supposedly at the Libyan coast. On January 26th 2005 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety about the detention of the ship by the Libyan authorities at Benghazy port. Until now no information came regarding the ship.
"I am the mother of officer Ahmed Khairy Abdulsalam Kotb, he was working on board Alexandros ship with other nine Egyptians, that was destined to Tunisia from Jordan, and on January 4th 2005 it disappeared at the Libyan coasts, since then we are like the sea surfs that has no shore to stop at"
Hayam Mohamed Tawfik, Egyptian mother that know nothing about the destiny of her son.
8)Walid Badry Sayed Younis - Arbitrary detention and inhuman treatment
In 2001 he traveled to Saudi Arabia to work as a Quran teacher at the Quran Society of Mekka, at Al Shar'a village, the society was supervised by Mr. Dakhil Akider Al Salmy. On Gamada Awal 20th 1426 Hejry, he aws arrested by the Police Investigation forces from the mosque after Al Zohr prayers, he was taken to the Taniem police station, then transferred to Al Rasifa prison at Mekka, without investigating with him. He remained in prison for 51 days, where he was subjected to torture and inhuman treatment, beside being alone in a single cell. He was tortured and deprived of water, struck by electricity, in order to make him confess about taking part in a murder.
Then he was transferred to a larger cell with many other prisoners for 47 days. Afterwards, and on Shaba'n 27th 1426 Hejry, a decision was issued from the Minister of Interior for his release, for the absence of evidences, and after arresting the real murderer. Then he was taken to deportations prison, where he stayed at cell 13 for 66 days. On 5/11/1426 Hejry he was deported without allowing him his personal or financial belongings at the society where he worked.
9)Mohamed Farag Ahmed Nada - Arbitrary detention
EOHR received a complaint on August 11th 2004 regarding the travel of Mohamed Farag in 1992 to Saudi Arabia to work as an accountant for Al Raghy Group, at Al Forsan Travel and Tourism Company.
On July 17th 2004 he was arrested by Al Salmania police station's officers at Riyadh, according to an arrest warranty from the Egyptian Interpol and sent to the Saudi Interpol. He is still detained according to the In Absentia detention decision in case no. 7123/2003 Misdemeanor Shoubra Court. His family complained against the decision and it was cancelled, then the Egyptian Interpol provided an original copy of the Shoubra Court, regarding the In Absentia decision. According to that a decision from the Egyptian Interpol was issued regarding searching for the citizen. The Saudi Interpol was notified by fax 1903 sent on August 2nd 2004, and the Egyptian Consulate in KSA was also informed about the search decision by fax no. 1910 issued on the same date. In spite of this he is still detained at Al Salmania Police Station at Riyadh, without a legal support to the detention.
On August 21st 2004 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities to release him, for the absence of a legal support for his detention.
10)Mohamed Abu Seree Abdulhakim - Violation of financial rights
EOHR received a complaint on May 16th 2004 regarding the travel of Mohamed Abu Seree and his sons to Saudi Arabia 20 years ago. During that period he deposited his money at Al Salam Investment and Development owned by Mr. Mohee Aldin Abdullah Helal, of Egyptian Origin, for investing in Islamic enterprises. He deposited his savings and the savings of his family at Al Ikhlas for Investment Company, owned by Rafaat Ahmed Atteya Al Bardeny, Nabil Ahmed Atteya Al Bardeny and his wife, and Mohamed Abdulaziz Ali Al Shiekh, and they are all Egyptians. However, the citizen and his sons, Abdullah, Dalia, Dina and Randa, didn't collect their money until this date. On May 16th 2004 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities regarding the financial rights of the mentioned above, at Al Salam and Al Ikhlas Companies.
11)Sami Mohamed Hassan - wrong detention
On October 10th 2004 EOHR received a complaint regarding the travel of Sami Mohamed to Kuwait, where he worked in trade, owned many restaurants and stores there, then worked as a Sales Manager at Gulf Saudi General Trade and Constructions Company, owned by Ali Bin Yasser Al Hessawy, Kuwait branch, and under the sponsorship of the company. On June 5th 1996 he was arrested and detained, accused of having a check without balance, case no. 1112/95 Al Gayreya (23/95 Al Gayreya). He stayed in prison since June 5th 1996 to February 22nd 1997, then the case was cancelled, after it was known that the suspect was kept in detention by fault without any right for detention. The case was filed against another person. The period of detention harmed the citizen financially and morally. On October 18th 2004 EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities.
12)Hussien Mubarak Mustafa Abu Alela - arbitrary detention and deportation
EOHR received a complaint on August 28th 2004 regarding the travel Hussien and his wife to Kuwait to work as a security supervisor at Al Meshbah Al Fedy Trade and Constructions Company, since 2001. On May 17th 2004, he was arrested by officer Abdullah Borahma, and he remained in prison until June 13th 2004 in district 4, investigation services. Then he was deported to deportation prison, and until now he is not released, investigated with, or knows the reasons of detention.
EOHR addressed the concerned authorities on September 1st 2004, in order to know the legal situation of the case, and demanding his release for absence of legal reasons for detention, allowing him to practice his work, and follow up the cases filed against him in other occasions, but till now he is still in detention for investigating in his case.
13)Abdulmoniem Mohamed Alnady Youssif
EOHR received a complaint on June 28th 2004 regarding the travel of Abdulmoniem in 1997 to Kuwait to work as a carpenter for Jaber Al Ali project, operated by Housing Authority, by contract no. m. a. r. s/a/796-97/98, from September 1998 to December 1999. He was assigned to work on the wood work of 260 houses, public buildings and utility buildings on piece 3 of Jaber Al Ali region. He fulfilled all works assigned to him, but he didn't take all of his remaining fees, about 1716 Kuwaiti Dinar. On July 1st 2004 EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities in order to send him his money.
14)Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Moussa
EOHR received a complaint on April 22nd 2004 regarding his travel to Kuwait on 1977 to work as the manager of construction projects at Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz, Constructions sector. He stayed in his job until 1982, and on that year he moved on to work as the project manager and partner of Al Khayran Firm with Mr. Mohamed Rashed Al Hajry, and on November 1st 1984 he contracted with Akel Trade and Constructions Company to work as a Constructions manager. In November 4th 1986 he was appointed as the constructions project manager of Al Maaly for Constructions, then appointed as the manger of the firm from January 17th 1987, and stayed there until 1989.
On June 11th 1989 he was arrested by officers Ali Mohamed Al Atadi, and Saad Al Youhi, from Al Ahmadi police Station, accused in a murder, case no. 2878/89-29/89 Al Fountas district. He was taken into custody, where he was verbally abused and tortured. The two officers tied his hands and legs, then hung him to the door, hit him with sticks and an electricity cord after taking off his cloths, then tortured him by electric shocks. He faced trial at the criminal Kuwaiti court that dismissed the case on its hearing held on October 9th 1989, but he stayed in prison in spite of the final decision of the court with decision no. 1323/89C, issued on November 26th 1989. The deportation department issued a decision of deportation of the citizen. The decision was released without any legal support. After his deportation with his family to Egypt, he wasn't allowed to wrap up his work and financial affairs, or to get his possessions, an apartment, electric devices, household devices, cars and equipment, also without allowing him to take his money from the Al Maaly company for constructions, or his money deposited at the National Bank of Kuwait. EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities on May 16th 2004.
15)Emad Mohamed Ibrahim Assr
EOHR received a complaint on October 3rd 2004, regarding his travel in 1992 to United Arab Emirates, and on March 14th 2001 he made an employment contract with the Social Services Fund at the Ministry of Interior, to work as the Human Rights Manager, the contract number was (1185-000398101), issued on April 2nd 2001 at Abu Dhabi. He remained loyal to his job, and according to the order of General Ahmed Shames, deputy of the Ministry for the Nationality and Residence Affairs, and the Chairman of the Fund, Emad Mohamed established the headquarters of the fund and prepared the bylaw regulating the work system and projects. He remained in his job until the fund became one of the most successful charity projects in UAE. On August 11th 2003 he received a phone call from officer Abdulkarim Mohamed, the manager of security affairs at Abu Dhabi Police services, and he asked him to visit his office. There he was detained for 5 days after disputes between him, as the manager of human rights department, and some of the senior officers. He was deported from the country after giving him 2845 Dirham only, while his money amounted to 198 thousand Dirham. On November 25th 2004 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities.
16)Ahmed Mohamed Ali Gafar
EOHR received a complaint on August 24th 2004 regarding his travel on November 1st 1980 to UAE, to work as a teacher of science and physics , by external contracting system, at the Eastern regional Educational Department. On August 27th 1990, his service came to an end according to the contract. However, he traveled to Egypt without taking his money, against the decision issued on June 6th 1982, from the Civil Service Council at Emirates, which ruled the right of personnel working at the Ministry of Education and Youth, on loan or appointed with external contracts, to take no. 2 advantages of the external contract, including, "Governmental housing, furniture expenses, water and electricity expenses, traveling tickets". On September 1st 2004 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities, and still he didn't take his deserved money.
17)Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Abdulkader
EOHR received a complaint on August 20th 2004 regarding his travel on April 28th 2004 to UAE, to work on contract with Al Nefa Contractions company, owned by Shiekh Faysal Abdullah Ahmed Al Ma'laa. He stayed in his job until May 19th 2004, then faced a work injury while in a constructions site, as he fell to the ground and had an injury in his back. Physicians advised him not to perform hard work, and according to the medical advise he asked the company to give him his money, the monthly salary and a remedy for the injury. However, the company refused then ended the contract with him, because it became impossible for him to work with hard performance. On September 1st 2004 EOHR filed reports to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE embassy in Egypt, addressed the company to send the money, beside a remedy for the injury in his spinal cord during his job, limiting his ability to take over such a hard job.
18)Hamed Ibrahim Alsayed Al Nawah
EOHR received a compliant on March 2nd 2005 regarding his travel to KSA on 1980, where he worked for more than one employer. On 1/1/1406 Hejry his sponsorship was transferred to Mr. Mohamed Amin Mahmoud Khan Kader, whom he worked with as an agricultural engineer at Al Zahabeya Trade and Agriculture Firm on Al Madina Al Monawara, Kebaa Al Talee region, by a personal contract between the two parties.
The sponsor refused to grant him his financial belongings for the period of work, from 1406 to 1408 Hejry, so he filed a complaint for Prince Abdulmejed Bin Abdulaziz, the Prince of Riyadh, and he asked for the transfer of his sponsorship, safeguards to his rights, beside filing a case asking Mr. Mohamed Amin Mahmoud Khan for his money and a court decision allowed him his right, with no. 22/283 on 19/12/1414 Hejry, stating that the defendant shall pay fifty thousand Saudi Riyal, on monthly basis with a rate of 1200 Riyal per month, starting from Zelheja 1414 Hejry.
However, he wasn't able to collect his belongings. On March 8th 2005 EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities to take the needed procedures towards the payment of the money.
19)Mansour Mubarak Mansour Hussien
EOHR received a complaint from him on April 3rd 2005, regarding his travel to KSA to work as a salesman for DAK Chemical Disinfectants Company, with a sponsporship of the company since 1412 Hejry. But after two years of working he was arrested, accused by taking the money of the company.
He was convicted at Jyzan Kobra Court, then he challenged the verdict at Al Tamayouz Court in Mekka, which dismissed the case and cleared his name, but he is still in Jyzan prison since 7 years ago, so he went on food strike since March 12th 2005, and on April 12th 2005 EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities for the release of Mansour after being declared innocent.
20)Mohsen Mohamed Abdulatty Seyam (Sharkeya)
EOHR received complaint from him on May 28th 2005 regarding his travel to UAE on November 18th 1996, where he worked as a warehouse worker at La Merel Dubai Company, working in drilling. On January 12th 2005, he was accused in a stealing case, its verdict came out on February 12th 2005, stating his imprisonment for three months, and after appeal it became two months. In spite of this he remained in prison from January 12th 2005 until April 18th 2005, where he was subjected to inhuman treatment, faced verbal and physical abuses and torture. On April 18th 2005 he was deported from UAE without having his financial belongings.
21)Ali Ibrahim Ali Sa'ed
EOHR received a complaint from him on March 5th 2005 regarding his travel to Libya, since 1975 where he worked as a clerk at the warehouses of the Lands Reclamation General Company, with a personal contract between him and the branch of the company in Cairo. He remained in his job until July 17th 1977, after that his service with the company ended, and he was invited to Cairo to collect all his money without the Insurance money due to him, in spite that he has insurance from the Insurance General Authority at Tripoli with no. 1182576. Because he reached 60 years old he sent a letter to the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli, attached to it the original documents of his insurance money.
The Egyptian consulate received the letter on August 25th 2003, no. 817, and on March 21st 2004 he asked the Citizens Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collect his insurance money for working for the company at Tripoli. On March 16th EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities to collect the insurance money at the Lands Reclamation company.
22)Arabi Mohamed Mahmoud (Cairo)
EOHR received a complaint on December 20th 2005 regarding his travel in 1974 to Kuwait, where he worked for the Markeseya Constructions and Contracting Company. In 1979 he renewed his contract with the renewal of residence, but he was expelled out of the company and was forced to sign bills, he left work on April 21st 2003, and didn't collect his money. On December 22nd 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities for the release of the money.
23)Nabil Ahmed Ahmed Algendy - USA
EOHR received a complaint on March 26th 2005 regarding his travel to the USA since 1979 and residing there until he got the green card, married an American and had a son. He worked as an engineer at Jordon Buildings and Constructions Company, but after 9/11 events he was summoned to the Immigration Authority of New York, and when he went he found a deportation decision waiting for him, then he was taken into Bergin County Prison, where he was retained for a year, faced torture, then transferred to Huston County Prison, where he spent two other years without being convicted by a court of law, then he filed a case and complained to officials regarding his retention and torture, to no avail. On April 20th 2005 EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities in order to get remedy for Nabil, because of deportation and retention for three years without any accusations.
24)Mustafa Barakat Mohsen Ramadan - USA
EOHR received a complaint on August 10th 2005 regarding his visit to the USA on tourism visa for five years. He traveled on July 5th 2005 to the USA, but he was retained in a zone outside Huston Airport, claiming that he came for work not tourism. On August 13th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities for his release.
25)Khaled Omar Mohamed Essa - Spain
EOHR received a complaint on April 11th 2005 regarding his travel to Spain since 1999 searching for work, and on July 2003 he worked at Aladdin restaurant at Doctor Torros Villaroel street, owned by an Egyptian, Mr. Ismael Hassan Manaa. However, on February 28th 2004 his family received a phone call from him informing them that he is returning to Egypt on March 1st 2004, but until now he didn't return or call back, and his family know nothing about him. On April 20th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities regarding his disappearance, and in order to get informed about his financial and health state, because he is the only sponsor of the family.
26)Hamad Mokalad Mohamed Abdulsamad - France
EOHR received a complaint on June 9th 2005 regarding his travel to Franch on 1991 as a tourist. He stayed there to find a job, then worked in constructions and married a Moroccan with a 10 years visa. In 1998 he decided to return to Egypt to visit his family, after he returned he went to the French Consulate in Cairo to collect a visa in order to return to France, but he was turned down, then asked for the visa again on May 24th 2005 but was turned down again. On June 12th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities for his visa.
27)Mohamed Galal Farid Hassan Al Ashmawy - Russia
EOHR received a complaint on March 30th 2004 regarding his marriage to a Russian woman called Diana Karnishova, born on December 7th 1975, by a marriage contract issued from Cairo Court of First Instance, South 41st district, issuedo n June 26th 2000. He married her after she became a Muslim on February 16th 2000. He had his daughter Kamilia Mohamed Gamal Farid Hassan on December 14th 2000, then they traveled to Russia, and after an argument betweent hem both she went to the Russian Judiciary in Moscow, where she filed a divorce and child care case at Konda Boga town, Karilia Governorate at Russia.
On March 30th 2004 EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities, and tried to find a lawyer to ask the court of Konda Boda not to look into the case of Mrs. Diana Karinshova against Mr. Mohamed Galal Farid, according to the judiciary aid in Civil Commercial and Family cases between Egypt and the Russian Federation, signed in Moscow on September 23rd 1997, which became valid on December 29th 2002, issued by resolution no. 104/1998 from the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, regarding the jurisdiction of Egyptian and Russian courts. The case at hand was inconsistent with the mentioned above agreement, in its 20th article that wasn't taken into consideration.
28)Mohamed Shaf'ey Abdulmejed - Syria
EOHR received a complaint on January 5th 2005 regarding his travel to Syria for tourism on November 1st 2002, he stayed there for two months, and on January 1st 2003 during his visit to the Immigration Office of Damascus he was arrested and deported to Egypt without apparent reasons, then he was assaulted during his deportation at Bramka region by officers affiliated to the Immigration office of Damascus, Marja region. On deportation he left behind his luggage, from tools and cloths that were in an apartment in Dir Alzour, Mayaden region. On march 2nd 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities in relation to his remedy, after leaving in Syria about three thousand Dollars.
On May 22nd 2005 EOHR received a response from the Egyptian Embassy in Syria advising it that the concerned authorities in Syria said on January 6th 2003 that the Egyptian citizen was arrested by the Immigration Office because he was previously banned from entering the country and he violated the decision by his entry.
29)Adel Fotouh Ali Al Gazar - Guantanamo
EOHR received a complaint on August 9th 2004 regarding Adel's (born on 1965) arrest at Guantanamo in Cuba since December 30th 2001. His family knew these information by the International Red Cross in Dokki, Cairo, then the family filed a report at EOHR, that the Pakistani government arrested him and turned him over to the American troops.
30)Sherif Fathi Ali - Italy
EOHR received a complaint on August 9th 2004 regarding Sherif's (born on 1976) travel to Italy on March 27th 1997, for work, and where he resided with his uncle. However, on November 2002 information reached his family that he is retained at an American base in Cuba, after his arrest since December 30th 2001, and his family is in continuous contact with him by the International Red Cross.
31)Esmat Shawky Abdulraof Mousa Khoudir - Brazil
EOHR received a complaint on June 15th 2004 regarding his father's, Mr. Shawky Abdulraof Mousa Khoudir, travel to work in Brazil, he stayed there and his family knew nothing about him. However, in 1982, his family knew abouthis death, after knowing that he was married to more than 4 women. Esmat addressed the concerned authorities regarding the possessions of his father who died in Brazil 22 years ago.
Until now he didn't receive, neither any of the heirs, any of their possessions related to their father who died in Brazil. On June 15th 2004 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities regarding keeping the rights of Esmat Shawky and the other legal heirs. EOHR received a response from the Brazilian embassy in Egypt saying that the matter is not related to it, as he is an Egyptian citizen, while the Egyptian Embassy in Brazil didn't send any responses in this regard, and the organization didn't received any results on that end.
32)Sahar Reda Farag Hunien - USA
EOHR received a complaint on February 26th 2004 regarding her marriage 13 years ago to Mr. Murad Younan Gabriel Abdulgayed, then she traveled with him to the USA, where she lived in New Jersey. On November 5th 2003 her father got a phone call from her husband and his brother, saying that she died on December 25th 2003 and was buried on December 28th 2003.
The father addressed the concerned authorities which advised him that there is no body living at the address he determined for the residence of the husband, beside the absence of any death certificate, and the burial place is unknown, while the American police of the state of New Jersey investigated her disappearance. On May 16th 2004 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities and till now no replies came to the organization in this end, regarding the destiny of Sahar Reda.
Iraqi Case
Egyptian official numbers regarding the Egyptian skilled workers in Iraq varies. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Work Force and Immigration, there are 20 thousand workers there. While the Central Statistical Office stated that Egyptians in Iraq are 65 thousands. Therefore numbers are not the same and we can know that Egyptian in Iraq might amount to 65 thousands, not only as workers but residing there, as among them are the married to Iraqi women, and others owning stores, shops and agricultural lands, while others has their interests and possessions in Iraq linking them to it.
Regarding the Egyptian possessions abroad, there are about 450 million dollars due to Egyptians in Iraq since the first Gulf War .
While currently, Egyptian money in Iraq amounts to more than a billion dollar that are not restored yet. Also the money wasn't included in the UN scheme for remedies, however it's related to the Egyptian workers and their money in the Iraqi banks before the American invasion of Iraq, and the Iraqi government didn't transfer any of the money to the Central Bank of Egypt (Yellow transfers).
The money was solidified according to the UN resolution regarding the solidification of Iraqi money in banks, and in fact there are many who are still searching for their money, beside 637 thousand Egyptian who have remedies from the yellow transfers system sent during their stay in Iraq, that didn't reach them yet since its date of transfer!
There are a lot of money of Egyptians who haven't their names enrolled in the remedy lists, because of the refusal of the UN remedial committee. Actually the remedies issue became a huge crisis facing Egyptians and represents a main problem regarding the Egyptian workers in Iraq!
Typical cases
1)Mohamed Nour Shaba'n Alsayed, arbitrary retention, restricted transportation, mandatory deportation, as per his complaint
"I work in Iraq since 1981 in trade and business. On May 17th 1995 I was arrested and put into various jails in Iraq without legal reasons. I was subjected to torture and inhuman treatment inside the Iraqi prisons, beside living in a dirty place with little drinking water, absence of medicine and medical care, recurrent absence of electricity for long periods, taking money from me and others, along with gold, our residence possessions, cloths and everything put cloths inside the prison. Because of the bad conditions inside the retention area I was subjected to various diseases, and a rupture in my spinal cord. When I asked for my possessions I was deported to Egypt after they took my passport, with the help of an Egyptian employee at the Egyptian mission in Iraq, after the head of the mission failed to do anything or provide any help to collect our possessions and money that was taken from us".
2)Sobhy Mohamed Abdulmaksoud
EOHR received a complaint on March 10th 2005 regarding his travel to Iraq on 1988 to work in business. He remained in Iraq until 1991, and he was residing at Rashid street, Hadbaa hotel, Baghdad. After the start of second gulf war in 1991 he went to Kuwait by land, and there he stayed for seven months and worked as a cooker for the Ministry of Defence. In 1991 he was arrested in Kuwait by random and stayed in prison for three months, after he was released, he was deported to Egypt with a travel certificate because his passport was lost in Iraq during the war. He didn't collect his money for the period he stayed in Iraq. On March 13th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities to help him get his money for the period he worked in Iraq.
3)Ezz Mohamed Hassan Al Za'zy
EOHR received a complaint on November 21st 2005, regarding his travel to Iraq thirty years ago. He worked there as a taxi driver he owned, but he returned to Egypt on December 20th 2005 on the wake of the American invasion of Iraq, and he left his apartment and all of its contents, and didn't get a remedy for his possessions. On November 23rd EOHR addressed the concerned authorities for his case.
4)Daramally Abdulaziz Othman
EOHR received a complaint on July 13th 2005 regarding his return from Iraq, and on November 12th 1994 he went to the Ministry of Work Force where he filed a form of remedy, but he didn't collect the money until now. On August 6th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities in this regard.
"I am one of the millions who returned from Iraq after the second gulf war. I went on 1994 to the Ministry of Work force, where I filed a form of remedy (C type), for the remedy of possessions, for losses less than 100 thousand dollars. But to this moment I didn't collect any money deserved, that I lost in the war"
Daramally Abdulaziz Othman
Civilian casualty from gulf war
5)Badr Hamed Ali Badawy
EOHR received a complaint on October 27th 2005 regarding his travel to Iraq in 1976 where he stayed until 1991. He formed an asphalt lab, with cars and equipment. He also owned a constructions office and had a bank account that reached at the time 560 thousand Iraqi dinar in Rafedayen Bank, Sayadla branch with account no. 480. However, he returned to Egypt after second gulf war and left his possessions there and collected no remedy. On October 29th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities for the remedy.
6)Mohamed Amin Mohamed Ali
EOHR received a complaint on December 31st 2005 from his family, regarding his travel to Kuwait on June 17th 2005 to work as a driver at the Arab United Maritime Company. He was assigned to drive the company's car loaded with wood to be transferred from Kuwait to Tekret in Iraq. He went to Iraq on June 21st 2004, then the family knew that the company where he worked with found the car in Iraq 30 km from Balado region, and didn't find the driver. His family know nothing about him until now. On January 17th EOHR addressed the concerned authorities.
7)Rabie Geaa Ali Mohamed
EOHR received a complaint on July 5th 2005 regarding his travel 23 years ago to Iraq to work as a farmer. There he built a house at Abu Ali Jasem region, Ramady in Al Anbar Governorate. He bought a tracker and two cars, then his house was hit by a missile after the American invasion and crumbled down and all inside it was lost. He also faced injury that led to amputation of his leg. He returned to Egypt on April 6th 2003 without collecting his remedy. On July 20th 2005 EOHR addressed the concerned authorities.
8)Ezzat Mahgoub Hassan Atta
EOHR received a complaint on December 13th 2004 regarding his travel to Iraq on 1988 to work as a driver, and he resided in Al fourat region in Baghdad, Kefah street.
On February 28th 2004 Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter advising his death by a gunshot from an anonymous in Iraq. EOHR filed reports to the concerned authorities for the remedy of his family, his wife and six children, for the losses they faced because of the American invasion of Iraq.
9)Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Al Fawakhry
EOHR received a complaint on December 12th 2004 regarding his travel 20 years ago to Iraq. On September 20th 1988 it was his last visit for work in Iraq, as he worked as an employee for an Iraqi company, as a warehouse inspector for a plastic factory affiliated to the General Establishment for Plastic industries. He was in contentious contact with his family, but his news ceases since the start of the gulf war on 1991. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities on November 4th 2004.
10)Hamdy Mohamed Ibrahim Hamouda
EOHR received a complaint on December 10th 2004 regarding his travel to Kuwait and working for the Ministry of Education as a library secretary since 1978 to 1990. However, he had to return to Egypt, leaving behind all his personal possessions because of the second gulf war.
On April 14th 1992 he filed a form at the Work Force Office, Masr Sudan branch, to be enrolled with the remedy deservers for Gulf war. He presented all the necessary documents and papers and registered by no. 235 on April 14th 1992. also his passport, no. 922596, issued from Kuwait on July 26th 1990 was saved. In spite of this he wasn't enrolled in the lists of remedy deservers, so he complained for officials, then found a respond on September 19th 2002 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister's office, that his demand should be completed with the needed documents.
He provided all the documents, but until now he didn't collect his money by form (C) or took remedy. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities on December 12th 2004, but the Iraqi embassy in Cairo advised that the demand shall be provided to the UN remedy committee in Geneva.
11)Mahmoud Abbass Ibrahim Ali
EOHR received a complaint on September 13th 2004 regarding his travel to Iraq in 1981, where he worked as an electrician for the Governmental Electricity company, Saladin, Baghdad region. On November 18th 1982 he died after being struck by electricity during his work. His pension was paid for his family from 1984 to 1990 by Rafedayen Bank, Cairo branch. But with the start of second gulf war his pension stopped, and it's not paid until now. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities on September 21st 2004, and the Iraqi embassy in Cairo stated that it's not in its powers to look into this matter, and the family should ask the help of the UN remedy committee in Geneva.
12)Ahmed Saleh Farag Mohamed
EOHR received a complaint on August 10th 2004 regarding his travel to Iraq on 1984, where he worked in the field of internal design and light commercials. He opened his own office and lab in Mansour region and Al Bab Al Sharky region. In 1988 he married Khalda Gabar Shehaza from Al Delemy, Iraqi nationality. He had from her six children. Because of the increase in his work flow in Al Anbar he moved his business from Baghdad to Anbar, Al Falouja city. In 1997 he bought a share in Al Bahar restaurant with about 2 million Iraqi Dinar.
After the start of the American war on Iraq that took its toll on Al Falouja, he escaped with his children to Baghdad to stay with his wife's folks, at Al Mansour area. Then he escaped again to live in an apartment at Al Amin region in Baghdad. In July 15th 2003 3 persons burst into his apartment with fire arms and took all his money and expelled his family. He issued a travel document for him, his wife and children. He left Iraq towards the boundaries of Oman, then stayed at the UN camp until the dawn of December 11th 2003, when they were delivered to the Egyptian authorities at Al Okba port, then released in Nowebaa on December 11th 2003 in the evening. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities on August 21st 2004, but the Iraqi embassy in Cairo stated that the UN remedy committee should handle that case.
14)Nadia Famhy Mohamed Al Ghandour
EOHR received a complaint on August 10th 2004 regarding her travel with her husband Mohamed Eid Hussien Hassan and their sons to Iraq on 1996. Her husband worked at a taxi driver, and after the American war they were attacked by an armed group and made to feel their house and leave behind their possessions. The family moved to Red Cross camps in Iraq. On April 24th 2004 the family moved to Al Rowayshed camp on the boundaries with Jordan. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities on August 21st 2004, but the Iraqi embassy in Cairo stated that the UN remedy committee should handle that case.
14)Ezzat Abbass Abdulhamed Ahmed
EOHR received a complaint on July 12th 2004 regarding his travel to Iraq on 1987, where he worked as a tailor, then bought the clothes factory in Al Nahr street, with equipment with a value more than 30 thousand L.E, beside the merchandise inside the factory. After the start of the American war on Iraq a group of armed Iraqis took hold of the factory. During his return to Egyptian territories in August 2003 he was assaulted and robbed out of his money by Iraqi thieves who took about 12000 US dollar from him. EOHR addressed the concerned authorities, but the Iraqi embassy in Cairo stated that the UN remedy committee should handle that case.
Conclusion and recommendations
From the mentioned above, we can see how Egyptian rights abroad are lost on the hands of the Egyptian government and the countries receiving these Egyptians. Even if the Egyptian law regulates the diplomatic representation according to conventions and charters, beside international standards, on basis of embassies and consulates with qualifications to help Egyptian citizens abroad, the absence of international conventions and agreements protecting Egyptians and their interests abroad is among the most grave dangers and problems they face on daily basis, beside the dispute over which law rules in which case. All in all, the embassies and consulates from all states are supposed to protect their citizens by means of its employees, who work on the protection of the citizens of their state. Therefore, the Egyptian authorities is still falling behind regarding its negative reaction towards the Egyptians' complaints outside Egyptian territories, as in most cases it stops short at managing operations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egyptian consulates and embassies send complaints to the official authorities in the other states in which Egyptians are working, without comments or serious follow-up for cases, in order to end problems Egyptian workers face, beside ignoring diplomatic or political problems that might arise from standing for some citizens and defending them, leading to the absence of serious safeguards to Egyptians abroad.
Among the other facts confirming the governmental ignorance to its citizens abroad, is that it doesn't has any serious statistics for the numbers of Egyptians abroad, do not regulate affairs from ports to work certificates and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, beside the absence of insurance on Egyptians abroad by the Ministry of Social Security or Work Force, the absence of counsel services by Egyptian consulates abroad for the protection of Egyptians, absence of legal or judicial counsel, absence of enough capabilities to protect Egyptians abroad, absence of legal counsel, translators and such services that help citizens when in legal problems. Ministry of Foreign Affairs was proven failing to make proper responds in many cases towards the protection of Egyptians from violations abroad, stopping short at responses void of information, without fact finding missions or investigations, or providing legal counsel to them. Beside the absence of any articles related to handling the rights of Egyptians residing abroad from the Egyptian Constitution.
Thus, EOHR expresses its utmost regret at the absence of an effective governmental role in the protection and safeguarding of Egyptians abroad, calling upon a rapid action towards the protection of Egyptian workers abroad and the safeguarding of their interests, because Egyptians abroad are still Egyptians, and violating their dignity is violation for the dignity of the state, therefore they must be provided with capabilities and channels for help and aid.
On the other hand, Egyptian rights abroad are lost by the countries receiving them, like the loss of financial belongings, beside what they face from violations to human rights like arrests, arbitrary retention, and carrying on using the sponsorship system in the gulf states, which are considered the first countries to receive Egyptian workers, as per this system Egyptians faces illegal detention, banned from their right to movement and travel, etc, in such context, the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights demands the following:
1. Calling upon the gulf states to annul the sponsorship system that contradicts with the provisions of international instruments of human rights, like the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant for Economic and Social Rights, because of the restrictions this system imposes on the worker, confiscating his right to chose his work, making him leave some of his financial belongings.
2. Calling upon all Arab states to draft an Arabian agreement for the rights of immigrant workers and their family members, asking Arab governments to ratify two party or multi party agreements between the exporting states and importing states, regarding workers, and providing safeguards to the immigrant workers while criminalizing the phenomenon of collective importation.
3. Establishing the National Council for the Immigrants and Egyptians Abroad Affairs, providing a clear and comprehensive vision from which certain policies target certain goals in this regard.
4. Coordination between concerned authorities regarding the travel of Egyptian workers abroad, for the protection and safeguarding of their rights. At the fore of which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with its various branches and authorities, to take the role of raising awareness of Egyptians traveling abroad, regarding their rights, legislations and laws of the states to which they are traveling, beside guiding them to channels of sending complaints at the Egyptian embassies and consulates.
5. Preparing legal frameworks, systems, procedures and administrative practices aiming at providing equality between Arab workers and Egyptians ones in all rights, advantages and responsibilities of work and residence, guaranteeing providing facilities for the family reunion of workers abroad, giving priorities to the Arab citizens as workers in the Arab states.
6. Open channels between representatives of the governments receiving Egyptian workers, and the human rights organizations, responding to their offices, allowing these organizations to send fact finding missions regarding the human rights conditions in these states.
7. Supporting and nurturing a national regional institution that takes over the responsibility of regulating operation and changes in the workers conditions according to a plan aiming at fulfilling the needs of development in the Arab region.
8. Calling upon the Arab states to amend their legislations according to human rights international instruments.
9. Effectuating the role of Egyptian embassies and consulates abroad, by finding methods of reaction between it and the Egyptians living in its states, raising their awareness regarding the laws of the states, trying to solve their problems in these countries, effectuating mechanisms for receiving the complaints of citizens at embassies and consulates.
EOHR will address the Arab human rights institutions, that were recently established in the gulf region states, like the Saudi National Society for Human Rights, the Human Rights Societies in Kuwait, UAE and Iraq, to let them know about the complaints of the Egyptians in their countries, their demand for the intervention of their governments in order to solve these problems, supporting communication between Arab human rights organizations, in order to face violations to human rights to which the Arab citizen is subjected.
|
|
|
|
