Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia

Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia Submitted by MEE correspondent on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:18 While some smugglers earned en…

In breve

Yemenis are forced to risk their lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia due to desperation and economic hardship, highlighting a humanitarian conflict.

Punti chiave

• Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia

Contesto

Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia Submitted by MEE correspondent on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:18 While some smugglers earned enough money to start legitimate business at home, others were killed or arrested at the border Qat is a stimulant leaf classified as an illegal drug in Saudi Arabia (MEE) Off For many young Yemenis , ensuring a future often means looking to Saudi Arabia , one of the few available routes to work and stability, especially for those hoping to avoid the conflict. However, the journey to the neighbouring kingdom costs around $2,500, far beyond the reach of most Yemenis. Ahmed*, a 35-year-old chef and father of two, hoped to travel to Saudi Arabia to work in a restaurant but lacked the money needed for a visa or a Saudi sponsor. “By late 2024, Ahmed decided to enter…

Lettura DEO

Verdetto: publish
Confidenza: 82/100

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Cosa resta incerto

• Unclear what drives Yemenis to risk their lives smuggling qat, but desperation and economic hardship are likely factors

Categoria: cronaca
Entità: Desperation, Yemenis, Saudi, Arabia