As nations face with the growing and unprecedented problem of illegal and informal migration, formalizing and legalizing the sector can help curtail the plights of migrants and curb human trafficking while easing the burden of host nations. And with the global demand for labor force soars, nations like Ethiopia with a distinct advantage of abundant and youthful labor force, present a valuable chance to transform a domestic burden into an economic asset.
With over 60% of its population under the age of 25, the country’s recent agreements with several Middle East nations to facilitate legal migration of workers could serve as a linchpin to formalize the sector. The agreement is part of the nation’s broader international employment reform initiative, which places a priority on the welfare, safety, and rights of its citizens employed outside.
For years, the movement of Ethiopian laborers to the Middle East has largely been informal, facing risks of exploitation, trafficking, and legal uncertainty. Many Ethiopian domestic workers, especially women, found themselves in precarious conditions due to lack of contracts, legal protections, or diplomatic oversight. The new labor accords, however, ensure a more regulated and legal migration. These agreements, which outline terms of employment, workers’’ rights, and the responsibilities of both employers and recruitment agencies, could significantly improve the welfare and dignity of migrants abroad.
Recently, 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.
In order to maintain their thriving economies, Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have largely depended on migrant labor. These nations still require a steady influx of laborers in sectors such as domestic service, construction, and hospitality. Ethiopia’s abundant labor and close geographic proximity can make it dependable supplier of trained and semi-skilled labor in this regard.
The benefits for Ethiopia go beyond remittances, though these are substantial. In 2023 alone, remittances from Ethiopians abroad accounted for over $5 billion in foreign exchange, a lifeline for an economy.
Speaking of the agreement with Kuwait, 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. 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.
To sum up, the recent labor agreements with Middle East nations are necessary and potentially transformative steps to the benefits of both migrants and host nations. Ethiopia can harness its demographic advantage while safeguarding its citizens’ right by shifting migration from the shadows into a formal, rights-based system. The onus now lies with both Ethiopia and the host nations to ensure these agreements transcend mere words and become frameworks for mutual benefit, dignity, and progress. With careful implementation and continuous oversight, labor migration can evolve from a story of survival to one of empowerment and national development.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 13 JUNE 2025
