Gov’t begins repatriation of 12,000 Ethiopians from Africa, Middle East

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2022 (FBC) – Ethiopia will begin repatriating about 12,000 Ethiopians from African and Middle East countries today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Government will collaborate with the International Organization of Migration (IOM) to repatriate those Ethiopians found in dire conditions in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, Sudan, Yemen and Oman.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Meles Alem, revealed the information today during the delivery of the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing.

According to Ambassador Meles, the repatriation of about 102, 000 Ethiopian citizens from Saudi Arabia to their homeland went according to plan, repatriating 50% of the total population with 126 flights since March 2022.

The briefing also stated the efforts of the government of Ethiopia to encourage Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origins in the Diaspora actively participate in pivotal issues in their country.

Accordingly, as part of the second phase of the Eid-to-Eid homecoming program, the first Badr Ethiopia convention outside the USA and Canada will be held in Ethiopia under the banner, “Badr back to the root,” he said.

The Ambassador also discussed the peace efforts of the government of Ethiopia and recognition from various bodies, including the IGAD and the World Bank.