The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that 2025 has become the deadliest year on the “Eastern Route” migration corridor, which stretches from the Horn of Africa across the Red Sea to the Arabian Peninsula.
According to the United Nations agency, at least 922 migrants died or went missing along the route this year more than double previous figures, underscoring the growing risks faced by those attempting the journey.
A Perilous Journey Across the Red Sea
Each year, tens of thousands of migrantsprimarily from Ethiopia, Somalia, and neighbouring statestravel through Djibouti toward Yemen, hoping to reach wealthier Gulf nations in search of employment.
Many undertake the dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded and poorly equipped boats, often facilitated by smuggling networks.
However, instead of reaching their intended destinations, a large number of migrants become stranded in Yemen already the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula and one that has endured nearly a decade of conflict.
Rising Risks and Changing Migration Patterns
The worsening security and humanitarian conditions in Yemen have forced some migrants to abandon their journeys and return home, while others remain trapped in precarious conditions.
The IOM reports that most victims along the Eastern Route are Ethiopian nationals, reflecting the country’s ongoing challenges, including poverty and internal conflicts that continue to drive migration.
A Wider Global Crisis
The crisis is not limited to a single corridor. The IOM recently estimated that nearly 8,000 people died or went missing on migration routes worldwide in 2025, averaging 21 deaths per day.
However, the agency cautions that the true toll is likely significantly higher, as reduced humanitarian funding has limited both rescue operations and the ability to track fatalities accurately.
Efforts to Reduce Tragedies
In response, the IOM says it is working closely with the government of Djibouti to promote safe and dignified migration pathways, aiming to reduce reliance on dangerous smuggling routes.
These initiatives include awareness campaigns, migrant protection programs, and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
Mounting Urgency for Action
The sharp rise in deaths along the Eastern Route highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action to address the root causes of migration, including conflict, economic hardship, and lack of opportunities.
Without sustained intervention, humanitarian agencies warn that the route will continue to claim lives, deepening what is already one of the world’s most underreported migration crises.
