The number of migrants who died along the perilous Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula surged dramatically in 2025, with fatalities reaching a record 922, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The agency disclosed on Wednesday that the figure represents a doubling from the previous year, marking the deadliest toll ever recorded on the route.
The journey, which sees tens of thousands of migrants travel annually across the Red Sea—primarily from Djibouti to Yemen—is widely considered one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the world.
Speaking on the development, Tanja Pacifico, the IOM Head of Mission in Djibouti, described the figures as deeply concerning. “2025 was the deadliest year ever recorded on the Eastern migration route, with 922 people dead or missing—double the number from the previous year,” she said.
The majority of those attempting the crossing are young men and women from Ethiopia and Somalia, driven by economic hardship, conflict, and the hope of securing better-paying jobs as labourers or domestic workers in wealthier Gulf nations.
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For many, however, the journey ends in tragedy. Migrants often face overcrowded and unsafe boats, exploitation by smugglers, and the constant threat of drowning during the Red Sea crossing.
Those who survive frequently find themselves stranded in Yemen, a country grappling with years of conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Despite modest signs of economic growth in Ethiopia—projected at around 10 percent in 2026—the IOM notes that high inflation and persistent instability continue to push citizens to seek opportunities abroad.
This combination of hope and hardship fuels the steady flow of migrants risking everything on the route.
The IOM has reiterated its commitment to working with regional governments, particularly Djibouti, to promote safer and more dignified migration pathways.
However, the rising death toll underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to address the root causes driving migration and to protect vulnerable populations along the journey.
As the crisis deepens, the human cost of migration continues to mount, with hundreds of families left grieving loved ones who never made it to their destination.