Aden — Yemen continues to serve as a key transit point for migrants from the Horn of Africa, despite ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges. According to the latest Flow Monitoring Report issued by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 8,878 African migrants were recorded entering Yemen in September 2025, marking a 27% rise compared to the previous month.

The majority of migrants originated from Ethiopia and Somalia, crossing the Gulf of Aden via smuggling boats from Djibouti and Somalia. Most arrivals were registered at coastal monitoring points in Taiz, Shabwah, and Lahj governorates, with many intending to continue their journey northward toward Saudi Arabia in search of work and better living conditions.

IOM officials noted that the increase may be attributed to seasonal migration patterns, improved weather conditions, and economic pressures in countries of origin. However, the organization also warned of the growing risks migrants face during their journey, including human trafficking, detention, abuse, and recruitment by armed groups.

“Migrants arriving in Yemen are often vulnerable and in need of urgent humanitarian assistance,” said an IOM spokesperson. “We are scaling up our response to provide shelter, medical care, and protection services, but funding gaps remain a major challenge.”

Yemen’s strategic location on the southwestern edge of the Arabian Peninsula has long made it a migration corridor, even amid war and instability. The country currently hosts tens of thousands of migrants, many of whom are stranded due to border closures and lack of legal pathways.

The IOM report also highlighted the need for regional cooperation to manage migration flows and protect migrants’ rights. As migration pressures continue to mount, humanitarian agencies are calling for increased international support to address the drivers of migration and ensure safe transit and dignified treatment for those on the move.