Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, Ahmed Amawi, commented on the criticism directed at the government's decision to cancel exemptions from customs duties on mobile phones purchased by Egyptians abroad, confirming that the decision is in effect and there is no intention to review it. Amawi stated that the decision sends a message to Egyptians residing abroad that the state has dealt with them with «complete flexibility», noting that they can enter Egypt with their personal phones, and they will work without any issues. He added: «If you are an Egyptian resident abroad and coming to spend the Eid al-Fitr holiday, your phone will work in the country for 90 days using an Egyptian SIM card». This also applies to any phone entering Egypt for the first time. In case of leaving the country and returning later, it is sufficient to contact via dedicated numbers on «WhatsApp» or the hotline and provide some data to reactivate the SIM card. In justifying the decision, Amawi said that the exception, which began in January 2025, was part of the «system for governing the entry of mobile phones into Egypt», emphasizing that «the exception is by its nature a temporary measure».
