The Ethiopian Ministry of Women and Social Affairs has announced that it has repatriated more than 15,680 nationals, who were stranded in difficult conditions abroad during the past month.
As part of the government’s renewed commitment to repatriating Ethiopians who are in difficult circumstances abroad, some 15,684 citizens have been repatriated during the past one month, the ministry said in a statement late on Sunday.
The East African country launched the latest round of repatriation on March 12, aiming to return home in excess of 50,000 nationals, who are said to be in difficult circumstances abroad, mainly those stranded in different Middle Eastern countries.
Majority of these individuals were said to be undocumented migrants illegally residing in foreign countries.
According to the ministry, during the past week alone, the Ethiopian government has repatriated more than 3,360 nationals from Saudi Arabia through nine flights. It said among the repatriated nationals include minors who are under the age of 18.
In recent years, Ethiopia has intensified efforts to repatriate its citizens stranded overseas particularly in the Middle East. A significant number of returnees have been undocumented migrants facing hardship in Saudi Arabia.
Beyond repatriation, Ethiopia is focusing on preventive measures, including dismantling human trafficking networks and enhancing domestic economic opportunities.
Many low-income and job seeking Ethiopians migrate illegally, driven by hopes of improved living conditions abroad.
MG/GIK/APA