Ethiopian, Saudi delegations discuss repatriation of undocumented migrants in Riyadh

A high-level Ethiopian delegation, spearheaded by H.E. Birtukan Ayano, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, convened with a Saudi delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Al-Yousef in Riyadh.

The primary agenda of the meeting was centered around the repatriation of undocumented Ethiopian migrants from Saudi Arabia, alongside fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations.

The discussions, which unfolded against the backdrop of mounting concerns over the welfare of Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia, underscored the urgency and commitment of both parties to address the issue.

With thousands of Ethiopians residing in Saudi Arabia without proper documentation, the need for a collaborative and pragmatic approach to repatriation was emphasized during the deliberations.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla, in a media briefing held last week, shed light on Ethiopia’s proactive stance regarding the repatriation efforts.

Tedla announced that Ethiopia is poised to initiate the repatriation process for its estimated 70,000 citizens currently residing in Saudi Arabia without legal documentation.

The announcement reflects Ethiopia’s determination to safeguard the rights and well-being of its citizens, particularly those facing precarious situations abroad.

Moreover, Tedla reiterated the Ethiopian government’s commitment to providing assistance to its nationals encountering hardships overseas.

Saudi Arabia currently accommodates an estimated 750,000 Ethiopian migrants, with approximately 60% (450,000) believed to have entered the country through irregular channels.

According to a 2023 survey by the Mixed Migration Center, 95% of Ethiopian respondents reported being detained in Saudi Arabia due to their migration status before being repatriated.

In the early 2010s, Saudi Arabia implemented stringent immigration policies targeting foreign workers, resulting in the deportation of around 170,000 Ethiopians between late 2013 and early 2014. However, since 2017, Saudi Arabia has intensified efforts to apprehend and forcibly return Ethiopian migrants as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented migrant labor within its borders.