Around 1,200 young migrants are stranded in Djibouti because of the COVID-19 border closures and movement restrictions. Most of them are mainly Ethiopians, were in transit to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations seeking for a job.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, thousands have been supported by IOM. Migrants are also receiving psychosocial care to cope with the stress and anxiety created by being stranded in Djibouti.
Furthermore, the number of stranded migrants in Djibouti is growing. More than 200 arrived from Yemen just in the last few weeks. Some made it as far as Yemen but were inadequate to continue and had to travel back to Djibouti. IOM is accomplishing with the Djibouti officials to support these individuals.
So far this month over 400 migrants influenced by COVID-19 have been equipped with food, water, shelter, hygiene kits and other necessary items here in Djibouti’s capital, as well as in Obock, and in the towns of Tadjourah, Dikhil and Ali Sabieh, where other displaced migrants are staying.
In another perspective of IOM’s response to COVID-19, over 600 migrants remaining in government-led quarantine centers are being helped. Migrants in quarantine are provided with food and personal hygiene kits while being checked for symptoms of COVID-19.
