Yemeni students pursuing higher education in Egypt have escalated their protests, demanding the internationally recognized Yemeni government expedite the disbursement of their long-overdue financial entitlements. The students issued a stark warning regarding the potential repercussions of continued delays on their living conditions and academic progress. In a statement, the students highlighted that the outstanding payments encompass five quarters, spanning from the second quarter of 2025 to the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, they are awaiting the release of tuition fees, book allowances, and travel tickets for graduates and their families. The statement detailed how the chronic delays and irregular disbursement of funds have exacerbated their hardships, directly impacting their psychological and financial stability and jeopardizing their ability to continue their studies. The students pointed out that previous assurances made by the Ministry of Higher Education in June 2025 to resolve the crisis by mid-2026 have not been fulfilled. They emphasized that recent ministerial changes have yielded no tangible improvements, with the financial deficit continuing to widen. The protesting students called for the establishment of a clear and binding timeline for the disbursement of their dues, urging an end to what they described as a state of "neglect and procrastination." They implored the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to intervene urgently to resolve the crisis. Furthermore, their demands include support for Yemeni academic staff pursuing studies in Egyptian public universities, the approval of entitlements for students in Egyptian military colleges for 2023, and the reinstatement of rights for students who claim they were unlawfully excluded. They also seek the organization of disbursement mechanisms and the assurance of regular financial transfers. In a related appeal, the students urged the Yemeni Embassy and the Cultural Attaché in Cairo to activate cultural cooperation agreements with Egypt and to work towards granting them exemptions from residency fees and facilitating related procedures. The statement concluded by affirming that the students will persist with their peaceful protests, including sit-ins, until their demands are met. |
