This study seeks to understand Ethiopian returnees’ access to information during the different phases of their migration and return journeys: before their migration abroad, before their return journey to Ethiopia, and after their return. Studies have shown the extreme risks and abuses that Ethiopian migrants face while on outward migration journeys, which contribute to the traumas and challenges Ethiopians face upon return. The study examines how their access to information connects with their migration and return expectations and their access to assistance, to gauge how improving access to information might improve the return experience and future migration programming. Further, this study analyzes how information and assistance access may vary depending on returnees’ profiles and migration experience, including the type/category of return, gender, age, region of origin within Ethiopia, and the amount of time spent abroad.

This report has been produced as part of the Ethiopia Migration Programme (EMP), a four-year programme [2019-2023] funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) which aims to improve the protective environment for migrants in Ethiopia, including Ethiopian would-be migrants, returnees, and Eritrean refugees. During the programme’s lifespan, EMP activities have been implemented in Addis Ababa, Tigray and Amhara regions. The programme has been implemented by a consortium of partners (Save the children International, BBC Media Action, Altai Consulting and Mixed Migration Centre) led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).