AFAIK, they never returned. They are still in the UAE.... which is why the UAE has it as easy to deal with them: there is lots of mutual sympathy.

Would a semi-independent South Yemen, following the Somaliland model, really be that bad for the people?
It would be a realistic solution, apparently conform to what most of the people living in that part of Yemen want - too.

But, well: try convincing governments of various countries that have 'problems with separatists' to accept a secession of South Yemen. That's also the reality, and why Somaliland is still not internationally recognized.