The Egyptian government has initiated testing of a smartphone application designed to provide consular services to Egyptians living abroad. The app, called "Masri Bel Kharig" or "Egyptian Abroad," allows users to start and track consular transactions. This development is part of the government's efforts to improve services for Egyptians abroad and digitize government work. The app is available for download through the App Store and Google Play.
The pilot phase of the app covers 17 diplomatic and consular missions in various countries, including the Czech Republic, Morocco, Bahrain, Germany, Qatar, South Africa, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Belgium. Consulates in several major cities in the United States, Australia, and Europe are also part of the pilot. The Egyptian cabinet has announced plans to add more missions to the app in the coming period.
The "Masri Bel Kharig" app is a response to presidential directives to enhance services for Egyptians abroad. The Foreign Ministry aims to expand the app's services in the next phase, including the integration of an artificial intelligence assistant to answer user queries and explain procedures. This assistant will help users navigate the consular process more efficiently.
The app is part of a broader effort to digitize government services in Egypt. In August, the government launched an interactive consular website, promising faster processing times for passports and birth certificates. The website offers passport processing in under two weeks and birth certificates in three to five days. This move is expected to reduce wait times and increase efficiency.
Egypt has been working to improve its digital infrastructure and services for citizens abroad. In June, Egyptians abroad were able to request automated criminal-record certificates online through Digital Egypt. Earlier, in July 2025, the government began authenticating documents through Egypt Post and announced plans for a pilot electronic authentication platform.
The Egyptian government has also introduced other channels for citizens to access consular services. A central WhatsApp channel has been opened for consular questions, in addition to hotlines run by missions abroad. In September, the ministry announced plans to send civil-status committees to countries with large Egyptian communities to issue and renew national ID cards.
The introduction of the "Masri Bel Kharig" app and other digital services reflects the government's commitment to improving the experience of Egyptians living abroad. The app is expected to reduce wait times and increase efficiency in consular services. More services will be added to the app in the future, enhancing its usefulness for Egyptians abroad.
Key points
- The Egyptian government tests "Masri Bel Kharig" app to provide consular services to citizens abroad.
- The app allows users to start and track consular transactions.
- The pilot phase covers 17 diplomatic and consular missions, with plans to add more in the coming period.
