A series of investigations by newspapers and by NGOs has revealed the extent of abuse against migrant workers detained in appalling conditions by Saudi Arabian authorities. In October 2020, Amnesty International published a report alleging new details regarding the treatment of thousands of Ethiopian migrants expelled from Yemen earlier in the year as the COVID-19 pandemic escalated. Interviewees with detainees allege that workers are kept in appalling, cramped conditions without proper facilities.

Amnesty has also documented the deaths of three people, while the prevalence of disease and the lack of food, water and health care suggests it is likely more have died than could be independently corroborated - all workers interviewed stated they knew of further deaths in detention.

Amnesty's report states that almost all interviewees had seen a representative of the Ethiopian embassy and consulate during their detention and that the officials were aware of the conditions first-hand, yet none had been repatriated. Amnesty International called on both the Saudi and Ethiopian authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Ethiopians and to improve the conditions of detention centres.