The global landscape of migration is undergoing profound shifts as countries struggle to address the growing challenge of illegal and informal labor migration. With millions of people seeking opportunities beyond their national borders, migration has become not only a matter of human mobility but also a pressing issue of economic policy, human rights, and international cooperation.
Among the countries taking significant steps to address this issue, Ethiopia has emerged with a proactive and reform-oriented approach, seeking to transform its labor migration from an informal, often dangerous path into a structured, legal, and mutually beneficial process. Recent bilateral agreements with Middle Eastern nations, most notably Kuwait, represent a crucial stride toward formalizing the migration process and reducing the negative impacts associated with illegal and unregulated labor flows.
Ethiopia, with over 60% of its population under the age of 25, possesses an enormous demographic potential. However, this youth bulge has also created significant pressure on the domestic job market, with large numbers of young people unable to find stable employment. This has driven many Ethiopians, particularly women seeking domestic work, to pursue opportunities abroad, often through informal or illegal channels. Much of this labor migration to the Middle East has occurred outside official frameworks. Without proper documentation, contracts, or government oversight, many Ethiopian migrants have found themselves vulnerable to severe exploitation. Reports of unpaid wages, abusive working conditions, human trafficking, and even physical abuse have been disturbingly common.
The root of many of these problems lies in the absence of legal mechanisms to regulate migration. In the absence of formal agreements, prospective migrants often rely on unscrupulous middlemen or illegal brokers who promise jobs but provide no protection. Once in their host countries, these workers are at the mercy of employers and recruitment agencies that may not be held accountable under international labor standards. Moreover, without diplomatic agreements, the Ethiopian government has had limited capacity to intervene on behalf of its citizens facing abuse abroad. The resulting system not only exposes individuals to grave harm but also undermines the broader economic and diplomatic interests of the country.
Recognizing the severity of these challenges, the country has taken bold steps to overhaul its foreign employment policy. A significant milestone in this reform agenda was the announcement by the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS) of a bilateral labor agreement between Ethiopia and Kuwait. This agreement is designed to open legal employment channels for Ethiopian workers in various sectors including domestic, semi-skilled, and skilled labor. By establishing clear terms of employment, outlining the responsibilities of employers and recruitment agencies, and codifying workers’ rights, the agreement aims to bring much-needed structure and legality to the migration process.
The labor agreement with Kuwait is not an isolated initiative. It is part of Ethiopia’s broader effort to secure similar agreements with other Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, all of which have long relied on foreign labor to power their economies. These countries, undergoing rapid urbanization and infrastructural growth, have consistently required large numbers of workers in domestic services, construction, hospitality, and other labor-intensive sectors. Ethiopia, given its geographic proximity, cost-effective workforce, and abundant labor supply, is well-positioned to meet this demand. The strategic alignment between Ethiopia’s labor surplus and the Gulf’s labor demand presents a unique opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation.
However, the benefits of this shift go far beyond employment opportunities. Legalizing labor migration also has the potential to significantly increase the economic returns for Ethiopia. In 2023 alone, remittances from Ethiopians working abroad surpassed 5 USD billion—a critical source of foreign exchange and a major contributor to the national economy. These remittances help families cover basic needs, fund education, invest in businesses, and support community development. When migration is legal and structured, remittances are more secure, traceable, and consistent. Moreover, a regulated migration system allows the government to collect better data; monitor labor flows, and plan development strategies more effectively.
The Ethiopian government’s commitment to reform is also evident in the public statements of its leadership. In a recent social media post, Minister Muferihat Kamil of the Ministry of Labor and Skills described the agreement with Kuwait as ushering in a new chapter in Ethiopia’s foreign employment policy. She emphasized that the reform is not only about sending workers abroad but about ensuring their dignity, protection, and economic empowerment. According to the Minister, a central goal of this reform is to expand the number of destination countries while maintaining a structured, rights-based framework for labor migration. She stressed that legal protection, fair treatment, and institutional oversight are at the heart of these agreements.
In addition to improving individual welfare and national economic indicators, such labor agreements also serve to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and host countries. Establishing formal frameworks for cooperation, these agreements promote transparency, trust, and mutual respect. They create a basis for long-term partnerships in which both sides benefit—not only through labor exchange but also through enhanced political and economic relations. For countries like Kuwait, entering into such agreements ensures a more stable and regulated supply of labor, reduces the risks associated with unregulated migration, and enhances their international reputation with respect to labor rights.
Nonetheless, the journey toward fully formalized and dignified labor migration is not without challenges. The mere existence of agreements is not sufficient; implementation is a key. Strong monitoring mechanisms, thorough enforcement of terms, and the active participation of both sending and receiving countries are essential. Ethiopia must invest in pre-departure training, worker education, and the regulation of recruitment agencies. Workers must be informed of their rights, the nature of their employment contracts, and avenues for legal recourse. Equally, host countries must ensure that their legal systems provide adequate protections for foreign workers and those violations are addressed swiftly and justly.
At the same time, addressing the dangers of illegal migration remains a critical priority. Illegal migration not only endangers the lives of individuals but also undermines the development potential of labor mobility. Migrants who use informal channels are more likely to be trafficked, exploited, or stranded abroad without support. Their remittances may be channeled through unofficial means, reducing economic benefits and increasing risks of criminal exploitation.
Moreover, illegal migration can strain diplomatic relations, complicate consular services, and increase the burden on legal systems in host countries. A successful migration strategy must therefore include measures to deter illegal migration through awareness campaigns, stronger border controls, and the expansion of safe and legal migration pathways.
The country’s recent labor agreements with Middle Eastern nations represent a visionary step toward a more humane, legal, and productive migration system. Through transitioning from informal to formal labor migration, the country is not only protecting its citizens from harm but also leveraging its demographic advantage for national growth. These agreements, if properly implemented, can serve as a model for how migration should be managed in the 21st century—anchored in rights, regulated through law, and driven by mutual benefit. The path forward requires continued vigilance, bilateral cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to the dignity of migrant workers. If nations remain faithful to these principles, labor migration can be transformed from a story of exploitation and risk into one of opportunity, empowerment, and shared prosperity.
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2025
