Visiting the Ethiopian migrants who have returned from Saudi Arabia on November 13 and 14, the Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tedros Adhanom had a dialogue with returnees on their experience and assured them of the Government commitment to return all those who are currently in the detention centers. The Minister also stated that there are currently more than 23,000 Ethiopians in Saudi camp which are awaiting return. The Minister stated that the Government of Ethiopia through the Embassy in Riyadh will bring back the migrants by chartering flights from the Ethiopian Airlines. The number of returnees could reach up to 2,000 per day.

He further commended IOM for a job well done. “We are very moved by the speed your organization has provided the assistance, and I would like to thank you on behalf of the Ethiopian Government for your efforts.” Commending the effort of the IOM’sTransitCenter, which has accommodated the 50 returnees who returned on 12 /13 November Dr. Teodros stated, there will be a much larger number of returnees coming.

During the visit, the IOM’s Chief of Mission to Ethiopia Mr.  Josiah Ogina stated that, the Transit Center in Addis Ababa has the capacity to accommodate 500 people. However, the center is currently accommodating 630 people including returnees from Saudi Arabia. Mr. Ogina, who just came from Conference in Yemen to discuss the issues of Migration and Asylum between the countries from Horn of Africa and Gulf Sates, assured that the IOM office will work closely with the Ministry in managing the returns. 

The Minister further stated that will be using Ethiopian Airlines  to return the migrants  and in view of the large numbers, the Government is considering additional Transit facility to ensure dignified reception and asked IOM to work with the Ministry officials  in managing the reception facility including the one to be designated at the Airport.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s report, the Ethiopian Embassy in Riyadh has announced on November 12 that it is working with community members to repatriate Ethiopians in “a safe and dignified manner.” The report also noted that the Embassy has opened a new registration center in Mureba and started registering Ethiopian citizens, and is providing Travel Documents (laissez passé) to Ethiopians who failed to legalize their status in the four months grace period allowed by the Saudi government. The Embassy has also had meetings with community members to organize efforts to stop any ill-treatment of Ethiopians while they are being moved to deportation centers by Saudi security forces. Volunteers from Ethiopian community members are also supporting the Embassy in registering Ethiopians who are without residence permits. 

Photo by Fana BC