The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reported that 70,200 migrants arrived in Yemen through the Eastern Route between January and April 2026, marking a 9% increase compared to previous periods. This migration corridor connects the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, with most departures originating from Djibouti and Somalia.

Migration Trends and Risks

According to IOM's Global Overview of Migration Routes, 72% of migrants crossed from Djibouti, while 28% departed from Somalia. Ethiopian nationals make up the majority of migrants (95%), followed by Somalis (4%), with others constituting 1%.

The report highlights a significant presence of unaccompanied children, particularly in Somalia, where approximately 2,000 stranded minors face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and limited access to services. Rising transportation costs have made it harder for families to travel together, increasing the number of children migrating alone.

Challenges Along the Route

  • 105 migrant deaths and disappearances were recorded during the period, with drowning being the leading cause.
  • Migrants face persistent threats including detention, extortion, physical abuse, and exploitation by smuggling networks.
  • Ransom demands and forced labor have been reported at key transit points.

Ongoing conflict and instability in Yemen, alongside regional tensions affecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridors, contribute to dangerous and disrupted journeys. Many migrants become stranded in transit countries due to exhaustion, illness, or lack of funds.

Returns and Regional Dynamics

Approximately 33,000 migrants were returned to Ethiopia by the Saudi Arabian government, a slight decline attributed to travel restrictions amid regional tensions. Returns to Djibouti increased by 34%, reflecting the fluid and bidirectional nature of migration along this route.

Drivers of Migration

Economic hardship remains the primary driver, compounded by conflict, food insecurity, and climate shocks such as droughts and floods in Ethiopia and Somalia. Women typically migrate through regular air travel for domestic work, while men undertake irregular, often perilous journeys on foot or by sea seeking employment in construction, agriculture, and other sectors.

IOM warns that worsening humanitarian conditions and regional instability are likely to sustain high migration flows and increase protection risks for migrants in 2026 and beyond.