Ethiopia has begun repatriating hundreds of its nationals from Saudi Arabia after securing the release of citizens serving long-term prison sentences through diplomatic negotiations between the two countries.

Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Berhanu Tsegaye, announced on Wednesday that 343 Ethiopian nationals had safely returned home after Saudi authorities rescinded prison sentences of up to eight years following extensive deliberations with the Saudi side.

"Through our citizen-centric diplomacy, the ministry will continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure the safety of our citizens facing similar challenges in various countries by engaging with the respective governments," Tsegaye said in a statement posted on X.

The minister said the repatriation reflects Ethiopia's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and assisting those facing legal and humanitarian challenges overseas.

He added that the government is also working to safeguard the rights and welfare of Ethiopian migrant workers by negotiating legal employment agreements with countries in the Middle East.

Tsegaye then urged Ethiopians seeking opportunities abroad to avoid irregular migration routes.

"I call upon our citizens to fully understand the bitter reality of illegal migration and to choose legal pathways that protect their dignity, rights and benefits, enabling them to benefit themselves, their families and their country," he said.

The announcement came as Ethiopian authorities convened a meeting of the National Coordination Committee for the Reception and Reintegration of Returnees to discuss support for citizens returning from abroad.

According to Tsegaye, committee members reviewed progress on the return, repatriation and rehabilitation of Ethiopians arriving mainly from Middle Eastern countries.

Discussions also focused on strengthening reintegration efforts and improving coordination between regional governments and development partners to support returnees as they rebuild their lives.