WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. government announced a $2 million contribution to the International Organization for Migration to help migrants deported from Saudi Arabia to Ethiopia.
To date some 153,000 Ethiopians, including 8,000, have been returned back to Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia, many of whom are trafficking victims, a release from the U.S. Department of State said.
Some of the deportees faced forced labor in Saudi Arabia, and are destitute, in poor health and suffered abuse during the detention and deportation process.
The International Organization for Migration aids in the reception and registration of migrants; provides transport from the airport to transit centers and communities of origin; provides a small cash allowance to pay for initial needs; provides medical support, water, clothes and other items; and temporarily accommodates unaccompanied children and tracks down families.
