The United Nations has reported a grim escalation in migrant deaths along the Eastern Route, with 2025 emerging as the deadliest year on record for those attempting the perilous journey from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United Nations has warned that 2025 has become the deadliest year ever recorded on the “Eastern Route” — a major migration corridor linking the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula — underscoring the growing dangers faced by migrants attempting the journey.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 922 people died or went missing along this route during the year, marking a sharp increase from previous figures and reflecting the intensifying risks associated with irregular migration. The route typically involves a hazardous crossing of the Red Sea, often from Djibouti to Yemen.
Each year, tens of thousands of migrants — primarily from Ethiopia, Somalia and neighbouring countries — attempt the journey in hopes of reaching wealthier Gulf nations where they seek employment as labourers or domestic workers. However, many find themselves stranded in Yemen, which remains the poorest nation on the Arabian Peninsula and has been engulfed in a prolonged civil war for nearly a decade.
The ongoing conflict and economic instability in Yemen have compounded the vulnerability of migrants, exposing them to exploitation, violence and extreme hardship. In some cases, migrants have opted to abandon their journey and return home due to deteriorating conditions and safety concerns.
The IOM noted that a significant proportion of the victims were from Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation, where poverty and internal conflicts continue to drive outward migration. The lack of economic opportunities and ongoing instability in the region have made migration a risky but often unavoidable choice for many.
In response to the rising death toll, the agency said it is working with the government of Djibouti to promote safer and more regulated migration pathways. Efforts are focused on raising awareness, improving monitoring mechanisms and ensuring that migrants have access to safer alternatives to dangerous sea crossings.
The broader global picture is equally concerning. The IOM recently reported that nearly 8,000 people died or went missing along migration routes worldwide in 2025 — an average of 21 deaths per day. However, the actual number is believed to be significantly higher due to limited data collection and reduced humanitarian access caused by funding constraints.
The findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action to address the root causes of migration, strengthen protection mechanisms and prevent further loss of life along some of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors.
