Experiences of Ethiopian migrant returnees from the Middle East and South Africa at each stage of the migration cycle: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Migration to the Middle East and South Africa is common in Ethiopia. However, quantitative studies showing these experiences are lacking. We explored the migration experiences of returnees from the Middle East and South Africa at each stage of the migration cycle. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 migrant returnees. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. The results indicated that unemployment, inspiration from the success stories of other migrants, and family problems were the major reasons for migration. During travel, migrants experienced detention, stranding, and paying ransom. At the destination, participants reported both negative (trouble adjusting to the culture, long working hours, and salary denial) and positive (good treatment from employers, learning new skills, and sending remittances) experiences. During and upon return, migrants experienced unexpected quarantine, infection with COVID-19, and inability to access the money they sent. After return, migrants were able to get limited opportunities for reintegration. The study confirmed that Ethiopian migrant returnees from the Middle East and South Africa have numerous negative experiences but limited opportunities before departure, during travel, in the destination and after return. Further research is needed on the effects of migration experiences on the psychosocial, health, and economic conditions of returnees. Examining the implications of these experiences on reintegration is also warranted.