First batch of Ethiopian returnees from Saudi Arabia arrive in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, March 30, 2022 (FBC) – The first batch of Ethiopian returnees from Saudi Arabia have arrived home early in the morning.

High officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs including State Minister Birtukan Ayana, Women and Social Affairs Minister, Ergoge Tesfaye and Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dina Mufti have welcomed the returnees upon their arrival at Bole International Airport.

Ethiopia plans to repatriate close to 100,000 citizens who are living in hostile conditions in Saudi Arabia within from 7 to 11 months.

In today’s repatriation program, 498 Ethiopians have returned home, of whom 157 are children and 341 women.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 750,000 Ethiopians are living in Saudi Arabia out of whom 450,000 are residing in the Kingdom without documents.