Omanghana
Saudi Arabia has granted a royal amnesty to 1,971 Ethiopian nationals following extensive diplomatic negotiations between Riyadh and Addis Ababa, paving the way for their release and return home.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that preparations are already underway to facilitate the immediate repatriation of the pardoned citizens, with Ethiopian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia coordinating the necessary travel documentation.
The development marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Ethiopia and offers relief to thousands of families. However, human rights organizations caution that many Ethiopian migrants remain imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, including dozens facing the death penalty.
Ethiopia Begins Repatriation Process
Following the royal pardon, the Ethiopian government has mobilized its embassy in Riyadh and its Consulate General in Jeddah to process travel documents and organize the safe return of the released nationals.
Officials say the repatriation effort is being coordinated closely with Saudi authorities to ensure the prisoners can return to Ethiopia as quickly as possible.
The amnesty follows sustained bilateral discussions between the two countries aimed at addressing the welfare of Ethiopian citizens detained in the kingdom.
Concerns Remain for Ethiopians on Death Row
While the release of nearly 2,000 prisoners has been welcomed, rights advocates say many Ethiopian migrants continue to face severe legal and humanitarian challenges.
According to a recent CNN investigation, approximately 60 Ethiopian prisoners sentenced to death are reportedly being held in a single cell at Khamis Mushait Prison, highlighting concerns over overcrowding and detention conditions.
Human rights organizations have also criticized Saudi Arabia’s execution procedures, arguing that prisoners, their families, and diplomatic representatives are often not notified before executions are carried out.
Groups including Amnesty International have further raised concerns about the legal process, alleging that many foreign nationals face barriers to fair trials, including limited access to legal representation and qualified translation services.
Rising Executions and Tougher Drug Enforcement
The royal amnesty comes amid a broader judicial crackdown in Saudi Arabia targeting drug trafficking and cross-border smuggling.
The kingdom reportedly carried out 356 executions in 2025, with 240 linked to non-lethal drug-related offenses, reflecting one of the highest execution totals recorded in recent years.
Human rights organizations say foreign nationals have been disproportionately affected by the anti-smuggling campaign, with Ethiopians representing one of the largest groups of foreign citizens executed for drug-related crimes.
Advocates also note that many Ethiopian migrants fleeing conflict and economic hardship—particularly those displaced by the war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region—often become vulnerable to human trafficking networks operating through Yemen. Some are allegedly forced or coerced into transporting illegal substances, including hashish or khat, to repay smuggling debts.
Diplomatic Engagement Continues
Ethiopian authorities say they remain committed to protecting the rights of their citizens abroad while continuing diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia on the status of Ethiopians who remain in detention.
As repatriation efforts move forward, the Ethiopian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are expected to complete the documentation and travel arrangements needed to return the pardoned nationals safely to Ethiopia.
The royal amnesty represents a major humanitarian breakthrough for nearly 2,000 Ethiopian prisoners, while also drawing renewed international attention to the challenges faced by migrant workers and detainees across the Gulf region.
Source: Omanghana
