The Eastern Route, stretching from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, remains one of the most heavily travelled yet perilous migration corridors in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants embark on this treacherous journey, driven by economic hardship, conflict, and political instability. The majority come from Ethiopia and Somalia, hoping to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations in search of work and a better future.
Despite the dangers associated with this migration route, including human trafficking, forced labor, and life-threatening maritime crossings, the number of migrants continues to rise. The latest report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlights significant trends, key protection concerns, and the increasing impact of forced returns.
The Increasing Scale of Migration
Migration along the Eastern Route saw a notable increase in 2024, with a total of 446,194 movements recorded, reflecting a 13% rise from the previous year. Ethiopia remained the primary country of origin, accounting for 96% of the migrants, while Somali nationals comprised the remaining 4%. The primary motivations behind these movements were largely economic, with nearly 89% of migrants citing job opportunities as their primary reason for leaving. In addition to economic drivers, about 7% of migrants reported fleeing conflict, violence, or persecution, while another 4% were returning to their habitual place of residence.
One of the most striking demographic shifts in 2024 was the sharp increase in the number of women and girls embarking on the journey. Movements by girls increased by 42%, while the number of female migrants overall grew by 36%, making up nearly one-third of all migration movements along this corridor. In contrast, migration among boys declined by 17%, indicating a significant change in the profile of those undertaking the journey.
A Journey Filled with Peril
For migrants along the Eastern Route, the journey is fraught with dangers. Many fall into the hands of human traffickers and smugglers who take advantage of their vulnerability, subjecting them to extortion, physical abuse, and forced labor. The challenges faced by migrants are particularly severe in Yemen, which serves as both a transit country and a destination for many.
In Yemen, migrants endure harsh conditions, with many living in makeshift shelters that are overcrowded and lacking basic services. Flooding and extreme weather conditions in 2024 further exacerbated their suffering, leaving thousands stranded without adequate resources. The humanitarian situation worsened with the suspension of the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program in both March and November, which left many migrants unable to return home.
Sea crossings remain one of the deadliest aspects of migration along this route. In 2024, 558 migrants lost their lives, with 462 of these deaths resulting from drowning. Six major shipwrecks occurred, largely due to the use of unseaworthy boats, overcrowding, and smugglers forcing people to disembark in the open sea. These tragedies underscore the immense risks migrants face as they attempt to reach their destinations.
Forced Returns from Saudi Arabia and the Humanitarian Fallout
In addition to the dangers along the route, many migrants who manage to reach Saudi Arabia face another challenge: forced deportation. In 2024, Saudi Arabia forcibly returned 143,471 migrants, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. The vast majority—93,498 migrants—were returned to Ethiopia, many of whom had been living in Saudi Arabia for years.
The forced return of migrants has had a particularly severe impact on Ethiopia, where 94% of returnees have been sent back to regions that are already plagued by conflict. The majority of returnees—35%—came from Amhara, while 30% were from Tigray and 29% from Oromia. The influx of returnees into these already volatile regions has created further economic and social strain, exacerbating existing humanitarian challenges.
A large number of women were among those forcibly returned. Many of them had spent between three and ten years in Saudi Arabia, with some giving birth to children who now face uncertain futures upon their return. The lack of reintegration support means that many returnees struggle to rebuild their lives, often facing economic hardship and social stigma.
Migration Routes Through Key Transit Countries
Ethiopia serves as the primary departure point for migrants traveling along the Eastern Route, with over 234,000 exits recorded in 2024. The number of migrants leaving Tigray more than doubled, increasing by 112%, signaling a worsening humanitarian situation in the region. While migration from other parts of Ethiopia also rose, exits through Sudan plummeted by 93% due to the ongoing conflict that has made travel through that route nearly impossible.
Djibouti remains a crucial transit country for migrants attempting to reach the Arabian Peninsula. In 2024, the number of migrants passing through Djibouti increased by 56%, reaching 76,640. However, this journey comes with its own set of challenges, as many migrants find themselves stranded, unable to afford the next leg of their trip. The number of stranded migrants in Djibouti has risen by 24%, with December 2024 seeing one of the highest numbers recorded.
Tragically, many migrants attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden from Djibouti to Yemen do not survive. In 2024, at least 292 migrants lost their lives while attempting this crossing. Four major shipwrecks contributed to this toll, including a devastating incident in October when a boat carrying 220 migrants capsized. Forty-eight bodies were recovered, while 75 migrants were reported missing.
Somalia also serves as a major transit hub, with the number of migrants passing through Bossaso increasing by 23% to reach 58,670 in 2024. A new migration route has emerged in Marero, a town located near Bossaso, where smugglers are increasingly sending boats to Yemen. Migration from Somalia has become particularly dangerous, with reports of smugglers charging higher fees while offering little in terms of safety or security.
Meanwhile, Yemen remains the final transit country for many migrants seeking to reach Saudi Arabia. However, the number of migrants arriving in Yemen has decreased significantly, dropping by 37% in 2024. The decline is largely due to increased patrols by the Djibouti and Yemen coast guards, as well as heightened military operations aimed at intercepting migrant boats. Those who do manage to reach Yemen often face extreme hardships, including captivity, extortion, and physical abuse at the hands of smugglers and armed groups.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Need of Urgent Attention
Despite the dangers, migration along the Eastern Route continues to grow, driven by economic desperation and conflict. The worsening humanitarian situation, particularly in Yemen and Ethiopia, underscores the urgent need for intervention. Migrants face immense risks at every stage of their journey, from exploitative smugglers to treacherous sea crossings and the threat of deportation.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Governments and humanitarian organizations must work together to provide better protection for migrants, including safe migration pathways, increased support for those who are forcibly returned, and stronger efforts to combat human trafficking. The international community must also recognize the economic and political factors driving migration and invest in solutions that address the root causes.
Without immediate action, the Eastern Route will continue to be a deadly path for those seeking a better future. The increasing number of deaths, the suffering of stranded migrants, and the human rights violations along this corridor highlight the urgent need for policies that prioritize safety, dignity, and sustainable solutions.
