Addis Ababa – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) are collaborating to support over 58,000 Ethiopian returnees with shelter, essential non-food items, transportation to their communities of origin, and awareness of various aspects of migration, allowing them to make informed migration decisions going forward.

The Eastern migratory route is the most utilized route for Ethiopians seeking better livelihoods in the Gulf, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Migration along this route is primarily irregular in nature, which exposes migrants to significant risks and vulnerabilities.

Hailing mostly from Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Tigray Regional States of Ethiopia, returnees typically require multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance upon return home.

“Essential NFIs and shelter and onward transportation assistance are among the most pressing needs of returnees. This support from KSrelief is critical in enabling our teams to cater to the urgent needs of returnees and help restart their lives,” says Mrs. Abibatou Wane, IOM Ethiopia’s Chief of Mission.

In 2022, almost 100,000 Ethiopians returned home from abroad, with a quarter of them originating from and returning to Regions in Ethiopia that are severely impacted by the worst drought in 40 years, significantly eroding livelihoods and coping mechanisms of these communities.

“As part of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia policy of promotion of sustainable return and reintegration of returning migrants, KSrelief is collaborating with IOM to provide essential support” said Mr. Fahad Alosaimi, director of urgent aid department " Ethiopian returnees will benefited from shelter, NFI and other services". He added.

IOM’s humanitarian assistance and protection services in response to the needs of the returnees are aligned with the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and Yemen, 2023. The MRP aims to address the needs of migrants in vulnerable situations and host communities in countries situated along the Eastern Migratory Route, located between the Horn of Africa and Yemen. Please read the Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and Yemen 2023 Appeal for more information.