Djibouti
Total 2012 figures of migrants between Djibouti and Yemen: In 2012, a total of 107,532 persons arrived on the shores of Yemen. The number of migrants arriving in Yemen in 2012; were a 4 per cent increase from the 103,532 persons who arrived in Yemen in 2011, and more than double the 53,382 migrants who arrived in Yemen in 2010. 75 per cent or 80,465 persons who arrived in Yemen in 2012 travelled via Djibouti.
New Arrivals: In December 2012, an estimated 5,718 persons arrived on Yemen’s shores via Djibouti, this was a 13 per cent decrease from the previous month. The major departure point in Djibouti was Obock and different coastal departure points 30-40 km north of Obock.
Boats: During the year, a total of 1213 smuggler boats trips left via the Red Sea for Yemen. In December 2012 alone, 91 boats left for Yemen, this figure is slightly lower than the previous months. The decrease in boat trips during December maybe a signal that increased security patrols in Obock might be having an effect of number of persons undertaking smuggling activities, or that migrants and smugglers might be avoiding major towns for fear of being caught up in police raids. The seas are also generally more difficult to navigate in December due to rough weather and this can have an effect on number of boats willing to make the journey to Yemen.
Migrant interceptions: During the year approximately 3,533 irregular migrants were intercepted and rescued at sea as they were being smuggled on boat trips to Yemen. The irregular migrants are often returned to Djibouti by security patrols manning the seas to curb smuggling and trafficking activity.
