The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on November 16, 2024, that the number of migrants from the Horn of Africa to Yemen surged by 136% in October, with 79% arriving through Djibouti and the remaining 21% via Somali ports.

In its monthly report, which was reviewed by "Barran Press," the IOM tracked 6,364 migrants entering Yemen during October, compared to 2,692 in September. The significant increase is attributed to improved coverage along the country’s western coast. Since late September, the IOM has expanded its operations to the Dhobab district in Taiz governorate, enhancing monitoring of arrivals from Djibouti.

According to the organization’s data, the majority of migrants, predominantly Ethiopian nationals, entered Yemen through Djibouti, while 21% arrived from Somali ports. Among the total number recorded, 25% were children, 17% were women, and 58% were men.

The report highlighted that most migrants landed on the western coast of Taiz, with 79% coming from Djibouti and 21% reaching the shores of Shabwa from Somalia. Notably, no migrants were recorded arriving via the western coast of Lahij, which the IOM attributes to measures the government has taken to combat smuggling since August 2023.

Regarding returns, the IOM reported that 172 African migrants were deported from Oman to the Shahn district in Al-Mahra governorate, all of whom were Ethiopian citizens. Some migrants also returned to their home countries in the Horn of Africa.

During the same period, the tracking mechanism recorded the return of 1,910 migrants from Yemen, either voluntarily or via boat. This group comprised 87% men, 11% women, and 2% children. Additionally, IOM’s tracking team in Djibouti noted the arrival of 1,561 migrants (94% men, 5% women, and 1% children) coming from Yemen.