DHAKA: Ethiopia has flown home over 50,000 citizens in Saudi Arabia after a crackdown against illegal immigrants in the oil-rich state.

Ethiopian foreign ministry said Wednesday, reports The Straits Times.

‘We projected the initial number to be 10,000 but it is increasing,’ foreign ministry spokesman Dina Mufti told media, adding that the final total once the mass airlift ends is now expected to be around 80,000.

Ethiopia started repatriating citizens living illegally in Saudi Arabia after a seven-month amnesty period to formalise their status expired on November 4, sparking violent protests between Saudi police and Ethiopian migrants preparing to leave the country.

The Ethiopian government said three of its citizens were killed in clashes.

BDST: 1643 HRS, NOV 27, 2013