LONDON, June 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* programme expanded to help migrantswho have fled regional conflicts rebuildtheir lives much closer to home across North Africa * £9 million will supportpeople into local jobs in the region and benefit host communities * while visiting Egypt the Foreign Secretarywillmeet migrants from Sudanwho have been supported by the programme

The UK is expanding funding for programmes which helpscountries across North Africa deal with the impacts of migration from regional conflict - helping people into local work, and helping prevent dangerous and illegal onward journeys to the UK.

The flagship North Africa Migration and Development (NAMAD) programme will extend to Libya for the first time, alongside expanding support in Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia.

The Foreign Secretary has made it a foreign policy priority to tackle migration challenges internationally and to prevent illegal migration to the UK. Prevention work to support migrants and refugees closer to home goes alongside stronger law enforcement against criminal smuggler gangs reducingdangerous journeys and illegal migration.

During a visit to Egypt,Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooperwill meet Sudanese migrants who haveescaped the world's largest humanitarian crisis and have benefitedfrom the UK-backedprogramme to help them rebuild theirlives in the region.Over 12 million peoplehavefledtheir homesin Sudansince the current war began in 2023,including over a million who have sought refuge in Egypt.

The Foreign Secretary will meet the families at an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) facility supported by NAMADand announce £9 million of further funding.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Migration is a global challenge requiring global co-operation.

Egypt and other North African states host millions of people displaced from conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region, including Sudan, the largest humanitarian catastrophe of the 21st century.

Helping these countries as they deal with the impacts of this displacement, and helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives much closer to home, is the right thing to do. It's also an important part of preventing dangerous and illegal onward journeys to Europe and the UK.

Since its launch, NAMAD's work in Egypt has helped over 22,500 people including:

* over 2,500 migrants and vulnerable Egyptians supported with key skills needed to enter the local workforce * over 15,000 vulnerable migrants received medical support, including through travelling medical teams * over 13,400 people have received multi-purpose cash assistance and/or non-food items including blankets and hygiene kits

TosupportEgypt's longer-term economic development,and its ability to flourish despite these pressures, the Foreign Secretary is also announcing a new programme of support for Egypt's ambitious economic reform agenda, through an £8.7 million partnership with the World Bank.

The programmewill provide advice and analysis to the Governmentof Egypt toboost inclusive private sector-led growth, making it easier for businesses to invest, trade and expand.Thistechnicalassistancegiventhrough to 2029 willboost Egypt's economic resilience.

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