Migrant journeys along the deadly Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula have surged sharply in 2025, despite rising risks and mounting deaths.

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The International Organization for Migration has reported a significant increase in the number of migrants traveling from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula via the eastern route. Between January and June, over 238,000 people made the journey, marking a 34% rise compared to the previous year, despite heightened risks and a growing death toll.

At least 348 migrants have died or gone missing this year, with many succumbing to harsh desert conditions, drowning at sea, or falling victim to violence by smugglers. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, with their numbers more than doubling along the route through Djibouti. The report also notes a recent tragedy where over 60 migrants drowned off Yemen's coast, and highlights the forced return of more than 55,000 Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia to regions already facing severe humanitarian challenges.

Migrant surge along Eastern Route despite risks, mounting deaths

The International Organization for Migration is sounding the alarm. Migrant journeys along the deadly eastern routes from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula have surged sharply this year, this despite rising risks and mounting deaths. According to a new report, between January and June, over 238,000 migrants made the perilous journey, a 34% jump from last year. But it comes at a tragic cost, at least 348 migrants dead or missing, many lost in Djibouti's scorching Ambok desert, drowned at sea or caught in violent attacks by smugglers. Women and girls are increasingly vulnerable, with the number of them travelling through Djibouti more than doubling. This latest report lands just days after a devastating tragedy at sea. Over 60 migrants drowned when a packed boat carrying around 157 people capsized off Yemen's coast in rough waters. The victims were part of a growing wave of people risking everything along the eastern route. At the same time, over 55,000 Ethiopians have been forcibly returned from Saudi Arabia, mostly to conflict-hit regions where humanitarian needs are already dire.

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