The International Organization for Migration has urged for safe migration to and from the Gulf countries as the perilous eastern Horn of Africa route continues to claim more lives. The so-called eastern route runs from the Horn of Africa to Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf by way of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Yemen. Migrant workers, mainly from Ethiopia but also from other East African countries, travel over the route in search of jobs and economic opportunities.
On October 1, traffickers drove migrants off two vessels in the Red Sea off the coast of Djibouti, killing at least 48 people and leaving 75 missing or presumed dead. Almost all of the immigrants were Ethiopian.
The IOM highlighted that despite receiving very little attention, the eastern route is the most dangerous migration route in the world.
The organization emphasized the need for safe and regular migration pathways to the Gulf countries, where there are numerous opportunities for people to work and live. Governments to ensure vulnerable individuals can migrate safely and have access to information about regular migration channels, the Organization asserted.