
ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS) has announced the successful implementation of a bilateral agreement between Ethiopia and Kuwait.
The agreement is aimed at facilitating employment opportunities for Ethiopian nationals in the fields of skilled, semi-skilled, and domestic work.
The agreement is part of the wider foreign employment reform being undertaken by the Ethiopian government, which prioritizes the rights, safety, and welfare of citizens working abroad.
In her recent social media post, MoLS Minister Muferihat Kamil stated that the reform has brought a new chapter in Ethiopia’s approach to foreign employment, ensuring that the deployment of workers is conducted in a manner that protects their dignity and maximizes their benefits.
She said the government is placing particular emphasis on expanding the number of destination countries in a structured and secure manner.
The agreement with Kuwait, completed under the framework of citizen-centered diplomacy, was drafted in line with the goals of the national transformation plan.
It seeks not only to safeguard Ethiopian workers but also to deepen bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Kuwait.
According to the Minister, the agreement ensures legal protection, fair treatment, and institutional follow-up for Ethiopian workers, while also contributing to the broader diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The latest move builds on Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to reform the foreign employment sector, which has in the past been marred by unregulated practices and lack of oversight. The government’s strategy now focuses on formalizing recruitment channels, providing adequate training and preparation for workers, and working closely with destination countries to monitor and support Ethiopian citizens abroad.
Minister Muferihat expressed deep gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the realization of the agreement. She noted that the deal with Kuwait stands as a meaningful example of how citizen-focused policies can bring about positive change both for individuals and for the nation’s global partnerships.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025