Over 87,000 Ethiopians repatriated from Saudi Arabia since April 2024 – Ministry

Addis Ababa, December 6, 2024 (FMC) — The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) announced that over 87,000 Ethiopians have been repatriated from Saudi Arabia since April 2024.

Recall that the Ethiopian government commenced the third phase repatriation of its citizens facing hardship in Saudi Arabia on April 12.

By establishing a national committee for repatriation efforts, the government has been undertaking activities to ensure that the essential budget, logistics, and shelters are adequately prepared for the returning citizens upon their arrival in Addis Ababa in order for the repatriation process to be successful.

In a post on its social media page today, MoWSA revealed that 1,155 in difficult circumstances in Saudi Arabia have returned to their homeland in the past three weeks alone. Among the returnees, there were 446 men, 631 women, and 78 infants, with 218 of them being under the age of 18.

In that regard, the total number of Ethiopian nationals repatriated from Saudi Arabia has reached over 87,000 since the third phase repatriation started in April.

The ministry said appropriate support and care are being provided to the returning citizens at airports and temporary shelters and reuniting them with their families.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia on Wednesday emphasized the government’s unwavering focus on citizen-centered diplomacy to better serve and protect the welfare of Ethiopian nationals abroad.

The Ministry also warned the public against falling victim to online fraudsters offering deceptive promises of opportunities overseas.