Saudi Arabia has been accused of employing excessive force against migrants at its borders, including numerous accounts of violence, rape, and deaths. Ethiopian migrants attempting to cross from Yemen to Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2024 have reported enduring machine gun fire and encountering decomposing bodies. One migrant related the death of three people near him and the injury of his own leg by Saudi fire. Others shared accounts of shrapnel wounds, sexual assault, and beatings. A similar pattern of violence has been documented by Human Rights Watch, which claims that Saudi border guards killed hundreds of Ethiopian migrants from March 2022 to June 2023. The testimonies and findings suggest these acts may amount to crimes against humanity. Despite the rampant abuses and violation of human rights, there is no indication that Saudi Arabia is ceasing its use of lethal force against irregular crossings. The situation comes under increased scrutiny as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 football World Cup.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/feb/28/saudi-border-forces-accused-of-killing-hundreds-of-ethiopian-migrants