Ethiopia ready repatriate over 102,000 citizens from Saudi Arabia: Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, March 4, 2022 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen has announced preparations that have been made by the Government to repatriate over 102, 000 Ethiopians from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the next three weeks.

The National Committee being chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister is working hard to return the Ethiopians suffering from harsh condition in Saudi Arabia due to various circumstances.

The committee includes 16 public institutions including the National Disaster Risk Management Commission, Women and Social Affairs Ministry, Labor and Skills Ministry and Health Ministry, among others.

A consultative discussion that brought various stakeholders together has been held in Addis Ababa under chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

The participants have discussed the repatriation plan developed by the national committee.

During the discussion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen said protecting the safety of Ethiopians living foreign countries is the main focus of the government in its citizen based diplomacy.

Discussions have been so far held between the government of Saudi Arabia and Ethiopian delegation compised of religious leaders, government officials and public figures on ways of repatriating compatriots in difficult situation.

In addition to reuniting returnees with their families, the government in partnership with partners the government will reinstate and rehabilitate the returnees in a sustainable manner, it is indicated on the occasion.

It is stated on the meeting that about 750,000 Ethiopians are now living in Saudi Arabia of whom 450,000 are working without legal documents in the country.

Ethiopia has so far repatriated thousands of citizens from Saudi Arabia during the past months.