1, 245 More Ethiopians Return Home from Saudi Arabia

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has brought back 1,245 its nationals from Saudi Arabia on Friday, authorities say.

Three planes with Ethiopian nationals onboard have landed at Addis Ababa Bole International airport today as the repatriation push continues for the third week.

The majority of the returnees are women (686) and Children (191), according to the ministry of women and Social affairs.

“The returnees have been taken to a shelter center where they will get support and care,” said the ministry

Ethiopia started bringing its nationals from the Gulf nation on March 30, with a plan to repatriate about 102, 000 of its citizens held in Saudi Arabia’s detention centers.

To date, more than 9, 700 Ethiopians have been airlifted from Saudi Arabia. The repatriation effort will continue for the next six months, said authorities who scheduled three daily fights for each week.