Breakthrough Diplomacy Secures Amnesty for 1,655 Ethiopian Nationals in Saudi Arabia – Foreign Ministry

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that 1,655 Ethiopian nationals imprisoned in Saudi Arabia have been granted amnesty following the suspension of proceedings against them.

According to the ministry, the Ethiopians received an amnesty measure as a result of sustained diplomatic efforts carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close coordination with the Ethiopian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of Ethiopia in Jeddah.

The ministry said the outcome reflects the government’s continued commitment to advancing a citizen-centered diplomacy aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of Ethiopians abroad.

It added that diplomatic efforts remain underway to address other outstanding issues affecting Ethiopian nationals in Saudi Arabia, with the situation being closely monitored.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged the public to remain vigilant against false and misleading information disseminated by human trafficking networks through social media and other channels to lure individuals into irregular migration.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking, the ministry said efforts to identify and bring those involved to justice will continue.