The Egyptian government is seeking to restore the money of Egyptians who returned from Libya following the unrest that has swept the country since protests began on 17 February calling for the ouster of Muammar al-Qadhafi. The Egyptian government said that more than 90,000 Egyptians have arrived in Egypt after fleeing the violence in Libya. With 1.5 million of its citizens working there, Egypt has the largest foreign community in Libya. Minister of Manpower Ismail Fahmi said his ministry will register Egyptians who return in order to safeguard their entitlements and rights in Libya. In a statement on Wednesday, Fahmi said there are two forms for returnees: the first concerns their entitlements and requires them to include documents attesting that they are eligible for entitlements at their workplaces. The second form concerns the properties of Egyptian businessmen affected by the violence in Libya. A copy of the passport, or any document proving departure from Libya, and copies of documents recording dealings with the state are required to file that form. The registration process will begin next week and the forms will be available at ministry departments in the governorates. Fahmi added that the Egyptian government will demand those entitlements as soon as Libya restores its stability, affirming that he insists on protecting the rights of Egyptian workers.
