Reassuring full support for repatriates
Ever since the reformists assumed state power, they have been working around the clock to bring back undocumented Ethiopian migrants living in some Middle East and African countries home by all manner of means. More recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repatriated 135 Ethiopian refugees, who have been in dire conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In fact, the recent Prime Minister’s visit to UAE has helped to understand the general situation of Ethiopians in the Middle East countries apart from paving way for upholding their rights and dignities as migrant workers.
During his official visit, the premier delivered captivating speech to 15,000 members of the Ethiopian diaspora in the Middle East at Shabab Alahli stadium in the UAE.
In his speech, he said the government pledged to exert maximum efforts to protect the rights and dignity of Ethiopians residing in the Middle East.
It true that the Government of Ethiopia has so far signed a number of bilateral agreements with the various governments of Middle East countries in a bid to ensure the diaspora s’ dignity and labor rights under any circumstances.
Needless to say, the government has repatriated many thousands returnees from various countries within less than two years as the country is now paying due consideration for citizen-centered diplomacy.
For any reason whatsoever, the Ethiopian undocumented migrants
wherever they live have to return home or fulfill the legal requirements to be documented migrants.
It is crystal clear that Middle East countries have on several occasions stated in a plain language that undocumented migrants have to go back home using their amnesty period otherwise ,they will face the consequences.
What is worse, when forced deportation takes place against undocumented migrants, undoubtedly, the traumatic effects of forced deportation on the migrants and their family will be intolerable for a long period of time.
Indeed, currently the Ethiopian and some Middle East countries have been enjoying ever growing friendly ties. Some of these countries have recently signed overseas employment agreements. This by itself will discourage illegal migration to some extent. For example, those people who want to work in Middle East countries can go fulfilling all requirements.
More importantly, the Ethiopian government and the general public have to reassure their full and unreserved support to the fellow returnees. Some private organizations are expected to hire some of the repatriates and extend the needed support as well.
Last but not least, despite numerous social and economic challenges, Ethiopia’s economy has been on the right truck recently. The returnees need to recognize the fact that they could make fortune by seizing the golden economic opportunity in homeland.
The Ethiopian Herald February 18/2020
