In response to Yemen’s escalating humanitarian crisis, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, offering stranded migrants a safe and dignified pathway home. This expansion comes as more than 6,300 migrants arrived in October, according to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix.  

IOM has organized 30 VHR charter flights so far in 2024, including one on December 5 from Aden, which safely brought 175 migrants to Ethiopia. These initiatives have helped nearly 4,800 migrants to voluntarily return home this year, providing them a fresh start and the chance to rebuild their lives after enduring extremely difficult circumstances.  

“These flights are not just a means of transport; they represent hope, dignity, and safety for those stranded and facing significant hardships,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “However, the growing demand for these services requires stronger commitment from the international community. We urgently need funding to ensure that these essential operations continue without disruption, providing a pathway to safety for thousands of migrants still stranded across Yemen.”  

Migrants in Yemen endure severe deprivation, with limited access to food, healthcare, and safe shelter. Many are forced to live in makeshift structures or sleep on the streets, resorting to begging for survival. This extreme vulnerability leaves them exposed to abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.  

The journey to Yemen poses additional dangers, with many migrants falling victim to smugglers who promise safe passage but often expose them to serious dangers. These risks persist even for those attempting to leave Yemen. In October alone, more than 1,900 migrants undertook perilous journeys back home to the Horn of Africa region or were deported by boat.  

At least 462 deaths and disappearances of migrants have been reported in the sea crossing between Djibouti and Yemen so far this year, according to IOM’s Missing Migrants Project. Another 90 migrant deaths have been documented along the Eastern Route in 2024, though many more are likely to remain missing and undocumented.  

IOM’s VHR programme includes critical support through migrant response points and community-based care facilities, and mobile teams operating along key migration routes to reach those in the most remote and underserved areas.   

Services range from health care and food distribution to shelter for the most vulnerable, dignity kits, specialized protection assistance, and referrals to partner organizations when needed. Despite these efforts, significant service gaps remain, with limited actors able to respond to the scale of needs.  

“As the year draws to a close, IOM urgently appeals for additional funding to sustain its VHR programme in Yemen,” said Esoev. “Without this support, thousands of migrants will continue to endure severe hardship with limited options for safe return. Stronger cooperation from the international community and authorities is essential to maintain these life-saving interventions and prevent further loss of life.”