Ethiopia’s Citizen-Centered Diplomacy Brings 1,447 More Nationals Home from Saudi Arabia

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has repatriated 1,447 nationals from Saudi Arabia over the past week, continuing the government’s efforts to bring citizens home from difficult conditions and reunite them with their families.

The returnees comprise 1,139 men, 261 women and 47 children under the age of 18, according to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.

Support is being provided at the airport and temporary accommodation centres, while efforts are underway to reunite the returnees with their families.

The ongoing operation reflects the human dimension of Ethiopia’s citizen-centered diplomacy, placing the safety, dignity and welfare of Ethiopians at the heart of its efforts to protect citizens abroad and support their return home.