The number of Egyptian expatriates living in the Gulf states who vacation in Egypt during June and July has declined by 50 percent, according to a report issued by Arab Bridge Maritime, a private company.
The company is co-owned by Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.
A copy of the document will be submitted to Egyptian Transportation Minister Ali Zine al-Abidine.
Speaking to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Nabil Lotfy, the company's deputy chairman, attributed the drop to concerns over rising crime in Egypt. He also pointed to Egyptian expatriates' fears that their Gulf jobs could be replaced, given the low salaries and receding job opportunities in the Gulf states since 2010.
Lotfy said he was sure the drop would be temporary, noting that holding Egypt’s parliamentary and presidential elections on time would help return the country to normalcy.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
