The Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has coordinated the return of 233 Ethiopian nationals from Negad railway station, amid an ongoing immigration crackdown by Djiboutian authorities.
The embassy said the operation is part of a broader effort to assist citizens caught in increasingly difficult circumstances abroad, particularly in Djibouti — a key transit point for migrants bound for Gulf states. Many attempt the journey through irregular routes, exposing themselves to arrest, detention, and life-threatening risks at sea.
In April, Djibouti announced that it would deport all foreign nationals without valid residence permits, a move that directly impacted thousands of Ethiopians. Following the announcement, the Ethiopian Embassy advised undocumented citizens to return home voluntarily to avoid forcible removal.
Djibouti’s recent immigration law amendments have tightened enforcement, resulting in an increase in migrant deportations. Humanitarian agencies, including the IOM, have warned that migrants face heightened dangers, particularly during the hazardous Gulf of Aden crossing. The risks are underscored by the October 2024 tragedy in which 48 Ethiopian migrants drowned off Djibouti’s coast.
Reiterating its warnings on Wednesday, the embassy urged citizens to “follow only legal migration channels” to protect themselves and their families from harm, adding that repatriation operations will continue in the coming days.
