Djibouti Relocation Index

How Djibouti scores

Some formalized entry mechanisms (eVisa) and defined work authorization requirements exist.

• Peace and conflict safety31
• Immigrant safety42
• Visa accessibility49
• Residence permit realism50
• Labor market access44
• Healthcare51
• Civil rights50
• Discrimination safety47
• Status security52
• Infrastructure reliability44
• Cost of living sustainability55

Recent news impact

Recent official and multilateral reporting indicates heightened enforcement actions against irregular migrants/foreigners and continued pressure on irregular routes via Djibouti (including removals/refoulement and increased risk for people attempting onward journeys). While these developments are not necessarily a sign of worsening general state stability, they do raise short-term relocation risk through increased detention/deportation exposure and uncertainty for would-be entrants/asylum seekers.

• Anti Immigration Policy

  Djibouti’s Interior Ministry announced large-scale sweeps (“rafles”) and “refoulement” of foreigners in an irregular situation across the national territory, indicating increased near-term enforcement and removal risk.

• Deportation Policy Change

  UNHCR reporting describes ongoing efforts to curb irregular movements through Djibouti, including arrests of smugglers and deportation/removals of migrants, alongside increased maritime enforcement; this tends to increase danger/uncertainty for irregular travelers and affects asylum seekers’ practical access.

Sources

• Djibouti | UNHCR (where we work)UNHCR
• Djibouti: Refugee and migrant journeys to Yemen and the GulfUNHCR
• E-Gouvernement (Djibouti): Work authorization requirement for foreignersE-Gouvernement (Djibouti)
• Djibouti: Décret n° 2017-410/PR/MI fixant les modalités d’exercice des droits fondamentaux des réfugiés et demandeurs d’asileRefworld (UNHCR)
• World Bank: Djibouti Health System Strengthening Project (P178033) PDFWorld Bank
• WHO results report (2024-2025): Djibouti country profileWorld Health Organization (WHO)
• World Bank: Djibouti labour/work authorization excerpt (PDF)World Bank
• Le ministère de l’intérieur annonce des opérations de grande envergure de rafles et de refoulement des étrangers en situation irrégulière sur l’ensemble du territoire nationalMinistère de l'intérieur de Djibouti