Saudi Arabia Deports 26,400 Ethiopians in First Three Months of 2026

• Saudi Arabia deported 26,400 Ethiopians over the first three months of 2026, more than doubling last year's numbers.
• Concerns are mounting over the safety and treatment of Ethiopian migrants along the route to Saudi Arabia.
• Lawyers advising Ethiopian clients on migration to Saudi Arabia must now advise their clients on necessary precautions to take before traveling.

The increase in deportations has raised questions about the effectiveness of migration laws in Saudi Arabia and the potential for human rights abuses.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has seen a significant surge in deportations, with 26,400 Ethiopians being sent back over the first three months of 2026. This number is more than double the amount recorded during the same period last year, sparking concerns about the treatment and safety of Ethiopian migrants along the route to the Gulf country. The increase in deportations has raised questions about the effectiveness of migration laws in Saudi Arabia and the potential for human rights abuses. Lawyers advising Ethiopian clients on migration to Saudi Arabia are now faced with a more complex landscape, requiring them to advise their clients on necessary precautions to take before traveling.

The International Organization for Migration has been monitoring the situation closely, and their reports highlight the need for improved protection mechanisms for migrant workers. The Gulf country's migration laws have come under scrutiny in recent years, with critics arguing that they do not adequately address the risks faced by migrant workers. In 2025, a report by the organization documented numerous cases of human rights abuses against Ethiopian migrants, including forced labor, confiscation of passports, and physical abuse. These findings have led to increased calls for reform, but so far, little action has been taken.

The escalating deportations and concerns over migrant treatment in Saudi Arabia have significant implications for the hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians who travel to the Gulf country each year. The risk of deportation and potential human rights abuses is a major concern, not just for individual migrants but also for their families back home. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that lawyers advising Ethiopian clients on migration to Saudi Arabia stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advise their clients accordingly.

Lawyers advising Ethiopian clients on migration to Saudi Arabia should be aware of the escalating risk of deportations and potential human rights abuses, and advise their clients on necessary precautions to take before traveling.

Source: Original reporting via International Organization for Migration