Netherlands closes Cairo embassy following protests

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered the temporary closure of the Netherlands embassy in Cairo, Egypt, to the public as a precautionary security measure. The decision follows several days of demonstrations outside the embassy building in the Zamalek district.

The protests were organized to demand the release of Ahmed Nasser, an Egyptian national currently detained by Dutch authorities in The Hague. While the specific reasons for Nasser's arrest have not been officially disclosed, the situation has caused diplomatic tension. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently spoke with his Dutch counterpart, Tom Berendsen, to seek clarification regarding the detention and to urge Nasser's release.

As a result of the closure, in-person consular services, including visa processing and appointments, are suspended until further notice. Individuals with existing appointments will be notified of new dates. VFS Global services in Cairo remain operational, and Dutch citizens requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the embassy via its emergency number.