Migration Research and Studies Unit

About

Under the auspices of Dr. Mohamed Othman Elkhosht (President of Cairo University) and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Said (Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center), and in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Organization of Migration Egypt (IOM) and Faculty of Economics and Political Science signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Migration Research Unit (MRU) within the Center for Economic and Financial Research and Studies (CEFRS) in June 2021.

The Unit aims at providing a better understanding of migration-related issues and fostering a powerful interface between research, policy and practice. The unit also aims to contribute to the improvement of evidence-based policy making through the creation of a platform for production and exchange of information, data and research on migration.

 As a public policy hub and cluster for migration studies, the academia community will be encouraged to lead and participate in an informed and evidence-based dialogue on migration and public policy.

Vision

To be an international resource center on migration related issues with focus on economic, political, financial, social and cultural aspects of migration

Mission

-        Promote evidence-based research on the contribution of migration in achieving sustainable development goals.

-        Establish network of academics and relevant stakeholders for policy advocacy at national, regional and global levels.

-        Ensure the production of different knowledge products to stakeholders.

-        Provide better understanding and foster powerful interface between research, policy and practice.

-        Prepare future leaders/researchers for ensuring good governance in migration by imparting right based training.

-        Enhance dialogue and knowledge sharing activities on socio-economic aspects of migration.

-        Create partnerships with other specialized research centers.

Values

-        Diversity & Inclusion

We value diversity and prioritize the inclusion of voices from different backgrounds, to promote a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of migration dynamics.

-        Collaboration

Collaboration is key to our strategy. We actively seek collaborations with academic institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and migrant communities to enhance our research and its real-world impact.

-        Ethical Engagement

Our research is conducted ethically and responsibly, respecting the rights and dignity of migrants and all stakeholders involved.

-        Empathy

We approach migration research with empathy, acknowledging the diverse experiences, challenges, and aspirations of migrants and host communities alike.

Team

Main Activities

-         The MRU at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, signed a cooperation and partnership protocol with the Ministry of State for Migration and Egyptian Expatriate Affairs on 18 February 2024, targeting to provide training opportunities to students and conduct joint research and seminars between the unit and the ministry.

-         In cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, the MRU unit organized training sessions for third round of the IOM simulation model from 18-21 February, covering wide range of topics such as sustainable development goals in Egypt, implications of crises and conflicts on migration and asylum, rights of labour migrants, migration and international politics, and establishing more fair and supportive international community for migrants.

-         In cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, the MRU organized a winter school on the links between migration and development from 11 -15 February 2024. It covered a wide range of topics such as writing policy papers, governance of migration and diversities, economics of migration, migration and SDGs, measuring migration movements, integrating migrants into society, rights and empowerments of migrants, creating job opportunities for youth through SMEs, and effective communication skills.

-         In cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, the MRU participated in a week-long study visit to the Netherlands and Belgium from 17 to 22 December 2023 which was undertaken to participate in workshops on integrating migration into academic research and public policy across different research institutions and centres affiliated to Erasmus University in Rotterdam and to build a long-lasting network with these European counterparts.

-         International Organization for Migration, the MRU, started the training week on human trafficking (7-10 May 2023) for students of the second round of the IOM simulation model. Topics include concepts, role of the National Coordinating committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons, political and economic factors behind human trafficking, raising awareness about human trafficking, and teamwork and presentation skills.

-         In cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, the MRU started the first training-week on migration issues as part of the launch of the activities of the first round of the IOM simulation model on 17-21 April 2022. The training included wide range of topics, particularly migration concepts and definitions, labour mobility and social inclusion, migrants protection, the composition, role and mandate of the National Coordinating Committee for Combating Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons and its strategy.

-         The MRU actively participated in the Employment Fair at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University on 29 November 2021. The MRU's headquarters garnered great student interest during the event, which served as an opportunity to introduce the unit's objectives and ongoing activities. At the fair, the unit announced an open call for students to participate in a research competition, open to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as in a simulation model of the International Organization for Migration. This simulation model stands as the first of its kind among Egyptian universities and globally, aiming to offer students a virtual experiential learning opportunity on migration issues.

-         The MRU's advisory board held its first meeting on 29 September 2021 after signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the International Organization for Migration and Faculty of Economics and Political Science. The meeting ended up with some recommendation for the unit's workplan which included incorporating migration topics into graduation projects of undergraduate students, making available a booklet on migration concepts, and developing a promotional policy for the unit.

Contact Us

         Migration Research Unit - Faculty of Economics & Political Science, Cairo University

         Telephone/Fax: (+20) 35689910

          Email: cefrs@feps.edu.eg