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Hundreds of thousands of people from Ethiopia and other countries in the Horn of Africa have made the dangerous journey through Yemen to Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf countries in search of employment. Many are sent home.
In response to the report, Saudi Arabia said it is investigating the facilities. His statement, quoted by The Telegraph in a later story, adds that “regrettably, the Ethiopian authorities have refused to re-enter (the migrants) on the grounds that they cannot provide adequate quarantine facilities upon arrival.”
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said in its statement that it “has never refused to receive citizens of any country” and that it has repatriated more than 400,000 citizens of Saudi Arabia between May 2017 and May this year.
But that slowed down with the coronavirus pandemic. Some 3,500 were repatriated between April and July, amid concerns by some in Ethiopia that returning migrants may bring the virus.
Another 2,000 citizens will be repatriated from September 8, Ethiopia said. Meanwhile, she said she has established five new border checkpoints to curb the outflow of migrants and plans at least 27 new posts in total.
“Horrible stories are at the core of migrant trafficking, these are things we must take into account in the detention, repatriation and integration process,” the Ethiopian statement said, without giving details. He added that he is “not doing enough” to combat human trafficking.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia always cooperates in establishing a safe and dignified repatriation process,” the statement said.
Ethiopia said it is working closely with Saudi Arabia after Saudi officials “expressed concern” about the number of migrants crossing its border.
“The number is increasing and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accepts them despite their increasing numbers. The Ethiopian government is always grateful for that, ”the statement said.
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