Addis Ababa, April 3, 2023 (FBC) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia confirmed that it has successfully repatriated close to 131,000 nationals from Saudi Arabia earlier today.
The repatriation, according to the Ministry, was successfully conducted with the concerted efforts of various stakeholders spearheaded by a national committee under the auspices of MFA Ethiopia.
Upon arrival at the Bole International Airport, the returnees were welcomed by Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the National Committee on the repatriation of nationals experiencing hardships in Saudi Arabia.
On the occasion, the State Minister noted the continued commitment of the Government of Ethiopia to voluntarily repatriate Ethiopian nationals from overseas with special emphasis to the urgent need of compatriots in the Gulf State, under the rubric of citizen-centred diplomacy.
She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful rehabilitation and integration of the returnees to enable them lead comfortable and productive lives.