BOSASO, Somalia — July 22, 2026 — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has facilitated the return of 56 Ethiopian nationals from Bosaso, the capital of Bari region in Puntland, including 10 unaccompanied children, the agency said. The return was carried out as part of efforts to assist migrants and address the risks linked to irregular migration routes.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that it had successfully supported the safe return of the Ethiopian nationals from Bosaso to Ethiopia.
According to a statement released by IOM, the group included vulnerable migrants, among them 10 children who were travelling without their parents or legal guardians.
The agency said the migrants had travelled to Bosaso with the intention of continuing their migration journey through dangerous irregular routes. IOM warned that such journeys expose migrants to serious risks, including exploitation, abuse, trafficking, and life-threatening conditions.
“We successfully facilitated the safe return of 56 Ethiopian nationals to Ethiopia, including 10 unaccompanied children. This is part of ongoing efforts to prevent irregular migration,” IOM said in its statement.
The organization did not provide further details about the identities of the migrants or the specific circumstances that led them to seek assistance in Bosaso.
Humanitarian Impact on Migrants
Bosaso has become a major transit point for migrants from Ethiopia and other parts of the Horn of Africa who attempt to travel through Yemen and onward to other destinations.
Many migrants arriving in Bosaso face difficult conditions while waiting for opportunities to continue their journeys. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that migration routes across the Gulf of Aden and through conflict-affected areas expose migrants to significant dangers.
IOM said its assistance aims to provide migrants with safer alternatives, including voluntary humanitarian return programs for those who decide to return to their countries of origin.
The return of the 56 Ethiopian nationals highlights the continued challenges facing migrants in the region, particularly young people and unaccompanied children who are considered among the most vulnerable groups during irregular migration journeys.
For years, Somalia has served as both a destination and transit country for migrants moving across the Horn of Africa. The coastal areas of Puntland, particularly Bosaso, have been used by migrants seeking routes toward Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula.
The migration route across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is considered one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the region. Migrants often depend on smugglers who operate outside legal systems, leaving many exposed to human trafficking, detention, financial exploitation, and violence.
IOM has worked with the Somali government, Ethiopian authorities, and international partners to assist migrants stranded along migration routes and facilitate their return home.
The agency has previously supported the return of Somali nationals from foreign countries, including individuals who became stranded after attempting irregular migration. It has also assisted migrants from other countries who were located in Somalia while preparing to continue their journeys.
Government and International Response
IOM works closely with government authorities in Somalia and Ethiopia to coordinate humanitarian return operations and provide support to vulnerable migrants.
Officials in the region have previously raised concerns about the increasing number of migrants using coastal routes to attempt dangerous journeys. Authorities have encouraged communities to seek legal migration options and avoid relying on human smugglers.
The latest return operation is part of broader regional efforts involving governments and humanitarian organizations to reduce the risks associated with irregular migration.
IOM said it will continue supporting migrants through humanitarian assistance programs, including protection services, transportation support, and reintegration assistance for those returning to their countries of origin.
The organization has called for continued cooperation between governments and international partners to address the causes driving irregular migration and to protect vulnerable groups, especially children travelling without family members.
The return of the Ethiopian nationals from Bosaso reflects ongoing efforts to manage migration challenges in the Horn of Africa while providing safer options for migrants affected by difficult circumstances.
The return of 56 Ethiopian migrants from Bosaso highlights the continued humanitarian challenges linked to irregular migration in the Horn of Africa. The involvement of 10 unaccompanied children shows the risks faced by vulnerable groups who attempt dangerous migration routes without adequate protection.
The operation also reflects the importance of regional cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia, and international organizations in addressing migration challenges. Bosaso remains a key transit location, making humanitarian support and awareness campaigns important parts of efforts to protect migrants.