Aden (South24)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 15,400 migrants from Africa entered Yemen in January 2025, marking a 25% decrease in numbers compared to December, which recorded 20,435 migrants.

The organization explained, in a report published on Tuesday (February 18), that most of the migrants departed from Djibouti (89%), while the rest came from Somalia (11%).

According to the organization's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), all the migrants coming from Djibouti arrived through Dhubab district in Taiz Governorate, where 13,642 migrants were registered. The organization noted that the total number of migrants entering Yemen since January 2024 amounted to 76,297.

According to the data, 57% of the migrants were men, 22% women, and 21% were children. The maximum number of migrants -- 98% - were from Ethiopia, while Somalis constituted only 2%.

The IOM explained that majority of the migrants entered via the western coast of Taiz Governorate (89%), while 11% arrived in Shabwa Governorate from Somalia. No migrant flows were recorded entering Lahj Governorate, which the organization attributed to the strict government measures there to combat smuggling, which are in place since August 2023.

The International Organization for Migration stated that improved monitoring capabilities on the Yemeni coast contributed to recording more accurate numbers, especially after it was able to access the Dhubab area in Taiz Governorate in September 2024, which allowed for broader coverage of the movement of migrants coming from Djibouti.

Yemen remains a major stop on the way for irregular migrants from the Horn of Africa, despite the ongoing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the country.

Most of these irregular migrants aim to cross from Yemen to neighboring Gulf countries, but they often fail and end up stranded in this country.