Saudi Arabia hosts about 750,000 Ethiopian migrants with about 60% (450,000) likely to have travelled to the country through irregular means. On March 30th 2022, the Governments of Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement to repatriate more than 100,000 Ethiopians irregularly residing in the country, many of whom were detained in poor conditions rife with abuse.

This snapshot examines the profiles and experiences of Ethiopian returnees in Saudi Arabia, interviewed after their return to Ethiopia. This snapshot also reflects on the expectations of Ethiopian returnees of life in Saudi Arabia and their experiences of detention and explores how this shapes respondents’ willingness to encourage migration. It draws on 356 4Mi Returns surveys conducted in January 2023 with Ethiopians who had returned from Saudi Arabia and been back in Ethiopia for between 6 months and 2 years prior to the date of interview.