The legal status of refugees and asylum seekers in East Africa is a complex and evolving issue, with significant implications for both national and international policies. The research employs qualitative methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, conducted among a diverse sample of stakeholders including refugees, government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and law practitioners. A key finding is the significant disparity in legal recognition rates between different regions within Egypt, with northern provinces having higher acceptance rates than southern ones (30% vs. 15%). The findings highlight the critical need for regional harmonization of asylum procedures and increased support for vulnerable populations. Policy recommendations include the establishment of a centralized database to track refugee cases across Egypt, and the implementation of culturally sensitive training programmes for law enforcement officers.