Ethiopia’s State Minister Foreign Affairs Birtukan Ayano Tuesday said the third-round repatriation of Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia will start in two weeks.
“This third round of repatriation campaign aims to bring 70000 Ethiopians who are in a difficult situation in Saudi Arabia back to their home
The National Committee chaired by the state minister discussed the repatriation plan on Thursday.
Ayano also said that the activities to bring Ethiopians back to their country require working in coordination among federal institutions and regional states.
She reminded the stakeholders that the necessary budget, logistics and shelters should be prepared to successfully conduct the repatriation.
The meeting was attended by Tayba Hassan, Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service
The director general also highlighted the relevant institutions and regional states should pay special attention to the work of returning citizens who are in difficult situations.
The members of the National Committee confirmed that they will make the necessary arrangements to complete the plan on time, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“It is estimated that about 650,000 Ethiopians currently reside in the Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia) with about 450,000 likely to have travelled to the country through irregular means and will need help to return home,” the IOM said in a statement.
Human rights organisations have for several years denounced the detention conditions of Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia.
MG/as/APA