UN: Over 42,000 African migrants arrived in Yemen during 2022

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Sunday that more than 42,000 African migrants have arrived in Yemen since the beginning of this year.

“About 42,070 African migrants have arrived in Yemen since the beginning of this year,” the organization said in a statement.

The statement noted that 92 percent of the migrants are Ethiopians, while the rest are from Somalia.

The situation along the border areas of Yemen remains precarious with continued reporting of violations committed against migrants by Saudi border guards, the organization added.

Yemen is a destination for immigrants from the countries of the Horn of Africa, especially Ethiopia and Somalia, and many of them aim to move on their difficult journey to the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the IOM continues to operate flights to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, with the aim of enabling migrants stranded in Yemen, who are looking for a safe way to return to their homes.

These flights transport migrants stranded as a result of insecurity and restrictions on their movement, including unaccompanied minors, as well as people with medical conditions and other special needs.

The Organization provided humanitarian assistance to more than 84,000 migrants in Yemen last year, including health care, relief items, psychological support and other protection services.

YPA