ILLEGAL MIGRATION FROM THE HORN OF AFRICA TO THE SOUTHERN AND EASTERN COASTS OF YEMEN

Abstract

Illegal migration from the Horn of Africa to the southern and eastern coasts of Yemen is a complex humanitarian phenomenon that carries many challenges and crises. This research sheds light on the age and gender characteristics of migrants, the reasons for their migration, and their economic, political, and social motivations, in addition to the size of migration flows during 2019 and 2023, as the number of migrants exceeded 230,000 migrants in just two years. Migrants cross into Yemen through two main seaports: Obock Port in Djibouti and Bosaso Port in Somalia. From there, migrants reach the southern and eastern coasts of Yemen in areas such as Brom Mayfaa in Hadhramaut, Radhum in Shabwa, and Ras Al-Ara Al-Mudaribah in Lahj. These dangerous sea journeys are full of challenges and risks that migrants face in the hope of reaching a better life. The reasons for migration are also the deteriorating political conditions in the countries of the Horn of Africa, where armed conflicts and civil wars push many people to flee in search of safety and stability.  In addition, difficult economic conditions contribute to pushing individuals to migrate, as they seek job opportunities and a decent life. Social motivations also play a major role, as migrants seek to join family members or communities who migrated earlier.