Written by The country of Yemen, situated on the southern tip of the Arabian peninsular is itself in
the eye of the storm. It’s weak infrastructure and government ensures it is a target in this region for Al Qaeda which in turn ensures it comes to the attention of Western governments attempting to keep a lid on terrorist attacks in the region.
Yemen is also in the unenviable position of being geographically located close to the war-torn African nation of Somalia. It is a boat ride away for those seeking to escape the factional fighting and religious rivalry that has completely destroyed Somalia in the past twenty years. For less than $100, someone fleeing the country can gain passage on a boat that will, if they are lucky, drop them on beaches near the town of Bir Ali in Yemen. If they are unlucky they can find themselves thrown overboard some distance from shore and left to swim ashore by unscrupulous traffickers.
Yemen is the poorest country in the Arab world but it’s still clearly a better option than struggling to survive in Mogadishu or surrounding areas. Many refugees are looking for a way through Yemen to some of the richer countries on the peninsular but equally many opt to stay. When the seas are calm in the right season, on average one boar a day arrives in Yemen. They are automatically given political asylum when they arrive and are then offered accommodation at Kharaz refugee camp. Emergency health care is provided here as well as food and shelter and the camp is funded by the U.N.
Even in a nation as poor as Yemen it is possible to find work if you are a skilled labourer and even if you are not some find work as domestic workers or unskilled labourers. However the Yemeni economy can only cope with so many refugees and currently the UNHCR estimates there are more than 80,000 in various locations.
