This is according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration’s Regional Data Hub, titled “The Desire to Thrive Regardless of Risk,” which is partly financed by the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in the Horn of Africa. Many young Ethiopian migrants on the Eastern Route to the Middle East were uninformed of the dangers of the voyage, according to the study. There’s a considerable chance of starvation, dehydration, or developing waterborne or gastrointestinal diseases while traveling, as well as the danger of being abused. The research was based on interviews with approximately 2,000 young Ethiopians in Obock, Djibouti, who were attempting to enter Saudi Arabia. The majority of migrants were relocating for economic reasons. Many people expected to make seven times as much money in Saudi Arabia as they did in Ethiopia. Fifty percent of migrants said they earn around USD 61 per month in their home countries, while the typical predicted monthly income in Saudi Arabia is USD 453. Bourhan, an 18-year-old Saudi Arabian who wanted to make a lot of money, was interviewed by researchers. It took him a week to go from his Ethiopian hamlet to Obock. Smugglers demanded USD 150 to get him across the Gulf of Aden, and another USD 200 to get him to Saudi Arabia. His is a typical story. A robust migratory culture encourages Ethiopian youth to migrate.
