Thousands of Ethiopian migrants deported from the Middle East are being quarantined in universities and schools(Clarifies 13th para to make clear migrants tested negative for virus before being sent home)By Emeline WuilbercqADDIS ABABA, May 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Thousands of Ethiopian migrants expelled from the Middle East and African countries are being quarantined in universities in a sign of the strain placed on vulnerable nations by mass deportations amid the coronavirus crisis. Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Somalia and other countries have deported more than 5,000 illegal migrants to Ethiopia since April 1, according to the U.N. migration agency. The U.N. has warned that mass expulsions of illegal migrants by Saudi Arabia to Ethiopia risks spreading the virus and overwhelming quarantine efforts. An internal U.N. memo seen by Reuters said Saudi Arabia was expected to deport some 200,000 Ethiopian migrants in total. "There were some concerns among the regional governments about the quarantined returnees ... but this is now being handled through education and regional leadership," Tadesse said.

Source: Ethiopian News May 01, 2020 17:11 UTC