Yemenis seek safety in Djibouti as African migrants continue arriving in Yemen

More than 3,000 Yemeni refugees have fled to Djibouti amid the recent escalation in Yemen, as African migrants continue to arrive in the country, according to MEE correspondent's report on September 24, 2026. Djibouti, a neighboring country, has welcomed thousands of Yemenis seeking work, unlike the Gulf states, which are inaccessible for Yemeni refugees.

Abdullah Mohammed, a Yemeni expatriate in Djibouti since 2017, works in a clothing shop and supports his family. He noted that Djibouti authorities are lenient in granting visas and renewals, making it easier for Yemenis to stay. Since September's conflict escalation, an estimated 128,000 Yemenis have been newly displaced, increasing the total of 5.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

As of September 18, UNHCR recorded 3,601 new Yemeni arrivals in Djibouti seeking safety from the renewed fighting between the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi-backed national government. Djibouti authorities have called on humanitarian organizations to assist incoming Yemeni refugees amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in refugee camps.

Despite the economic challenges, Yemeni business owners may aid their compatriots in starting over or returning to Yemen. However, African migrants, such as Ethiopians, are still entering Yemen despite the conflict, according to the International Organization for Migration. These migrants often rely on the charity of locals for food and low-wage jobs, while Yemen's population requires humanitarian assistance.