The Ethiopian government has successfully repatriated 33,000 nationals facing harsh conditions abroad over the past six months, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s commitment to a “citizen-centered” diplomatic approach, the ministry’s spokesperson, Nebiat Getachew, announced Thursday.
The repatriated individuals were rescued from various countries during the first half of the Ethiopian 2024/2025 fiscal year, which began on July 8. Among the cases highlighted, 380 Ethiopian nationals were stranded in Myanmar after being deceived by illegal brokers offering false employment opportunities in Southeast Asia. Many were taken to unauthorized camps in border regions between Myanmar and Thailand under severe conditions.
As part of the operation, 34 individuals were freed from captivity and moved to safety in Thailand before being brought back to Ethiopia. The ministry’s diplomatic missions in Tokyo and New Delhi are working to facilitate further repatriation efforts, despite the challenges posed by limited government control in the affected areas.
The spokesperson emphasized that Ethiopia is collaborating with Myanmar and other nations to address the human trafficking networks behind these incidents. The issue has also revealed a broader international criminal element, complicating the rescue missions.
Ethiopia has intensified its focus on repatriation in recent years, especially in the Middle East, where many undocumented migrants have faced extreme hardships. Recently, 164 Ethiopian nationals were returned from Beirut, Lebanon, amid escalating insecurity in the region.
Beyond repatriation, Ethiopia is addressing the root causes of illegal migration by dismantling trafficking networks and creating more domestic economic opportunities. Many low-income citizens are driven to migrate in search of better livelihoods abroad, often falling victim to exploitation.
The Ethiopian government’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader strategy to protect its citizens and tackle the challenges posed by human trafficking on a global scale.