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Yemen + 23 more

Quarterly Mixed Migration Update Eastern and Southern Africa | Egypt and Yemen, Quarter 2, 2023

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Key Updates Quarter

• Crisis in Sudan triggers large-scale internal displacement, cross-border movements and involuntary immobility: Cross-border movements have been recorded in Egypt (255,565), Chad (180,683), South Sudan (135,402) and Ethiopia (55,618).

• Increase in refugee and migrant arrivals in Yemen: In Q2, 35,677 refugees and migrants arrived in Yemen, compared to 11,614 during the same period last year. This increase corresponds to earlier IOM reporting expecting arrival numbers to match pre-pandemic figures. Further along the Eastern Route,
MMC reported on the widespread and deliberate killing of hundreds of Ethiopian migrants through artillery and mortar attacks by security officials operating under Saudi state authority on the Yemeni-Saudi border.

• Arrests of undocumented migrants in Djibouti: In May, Djibouti announced a crackdown on all undocumented migrants stranded or transiting through the country. At least 3,000 were arrested during roundups and detained prior to their deportation.

• Uganda passes Anti-Homosexuality Bill: Uganda approved its Anti-Homosexuality Bill in May, while similar anti-LGBTQI+ legislation is currently being reviewed in Kenya. Movements out of the country and additional protection needs and legal pathways for LGBTQI+ persons should be anticipated.

• Uncertainties around UK-Rwanda deal: The UK affirmed it would move ahead with the UK-Rwanda deal, despite the potential for strikes from Home Office staff and the high costs of deportation. At the end of Q2, the UK Court of Appeal ruled the deal was ‘unlawful’.

• Increase in Egyptian and Eritrean arrivals in Italy: In Q2, Egyptians represented the second-most common nationality to arrive in Italy (3,866). In terms of absolute numbers, Egyptian arrivals were 23% higher than during the same period last year. The number of Eritreans arriving (1,270), representing the 10th most common nationality from January – May, increased by 121% compared to the same period last year.

• Expulsions from Mayotte: From May–June, France launched Operation Wuambushu on Mayotte, leading to the demolition of irregular settlements on the island mostly inhabited by Comorian migrants, with the goal to expel all undocumented individuals to Comoros.