Why Young Ethiopians are ‘Risking All’ to Reach Saudi Arabia

Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians have undertaken the dangerous journey across the Red Sea in pursuit of better opportunities, driven by hardship and an uncertain future at home as they struggle to support their families.

“People lose hope. Then you think, whether I die or not, it’s better I try my chance [at migrating],” one migrant shared, reflecting the desperation behind the decision to leave.

According to the International Organization for Migration, nearly 235,000 Ethiopians left the country last year, many following the so-called “Eastern migration route.” This path leads migrants across the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden into Yemen, with Saudi Arabia as the final destination for many.