Most of the Somali new arrivals - who are prima facie refugees and given automatic refugee status by the Yemeni gvt - head south to the city of Aden or north to Saudi Arabia to look for work. Very few decide to stay in Kharaz because of the isolation, lack of opportunities, and the fact that the camp is overcrowded.
11 April 2009
Kharaz New Arrival Area
This is the area in Kharaz refugee camp in Yemen where the newest arrivals stay for a short time. The day I took this picture there were about 90 new arrivals - in one day. These all are people who've paid smugglers to bring them across the sea from Somalia. Many boats capsize, as did one that same day we found out later. About 40 people drowned. This happens every week.