BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Migration is an ancient and common trend among the people of the world. For centuries, people have been migrating from their birthplace to other countries due to various reasons. For centuries, as a consequence of a number of driving forces including for economic reasons- to have better economic prospects and escape poverty- to get better education opportunities, to be with family, compelled by political repression or any other personal aspirations, people have been moving to overseas countries willingly and unwillingly.
As a result, these days, millions of people worldwide live outside of their birth countries. Despite its economic constraints and other ups and downs, Ethiopia is always a safe haven for hundreds and thousands of migrants. Therefore, migrants from East Africa, the Horn and even beyond are seen flocking to it seeking its protection. Ethiopia, using its available resources and devising positive migration friendly policies and legislation, has been hosting migrants for long; and its hands are still open to receive them warmly. Consequently, depending on their skills and talents, many migrants are seen benefiting themselves from the already devised policies and available opportunities in Ethiopia.
Lately, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ethiopia organized an event on 8 December 2022 in relation to the annual observation of the International Migrants Day which is marked every year on December 18. The event was attended by employees, individuals supported by the organization, partners from the Ethiopian government, the humanitarian sector, and the diplomatic community.
Speaking on behalf of the State Minister to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Dereje Tegyibelu said that the Government of Ethiopia is committed to respecting and protecting the dignity and rights of all migrants, and is implementing reforms that will make the country a reference for labor migration governance in the region.
“Ethiopia is planning through its migration policy to adapt overseas employment policies and support systems to be fully responsive to the provision of tailored protection and assistance services to all migrants,” he explained.
On her part, Chief of Mission for IOM Ethiopia, Abibatou Wane-Fall said: “as we celebrate International Migrants Day, let us bring some attention to the possibility that 216 million people could become internal climate migrants by 2050 if we do not take climate action.
As it was indicated on the Press Release sent to The Ethiopian Herald, two ex-combatants from Somali and Amhara states received assistance to get back home, and have set up small businesses. They were supported through a project that began in July 2020 to support ex-combatants who were abroad prior to 2018 and chosen in cooperation with the government. Another returning migrant and now a musician in Addis Ababa narrated how IOM assisted him to return home to Ethiopia from Libya in 2021 and performed with his band for the gathering, according to the press release.
One of the main draws of the ceremony was an exhibition of photographs that represents the contributions made by migrants. The Organization ran a contest in November for contestants in Ethiopia, and three winners received various prizes on the day. The gathering also recognized and awarded some of IOM Ethiopia’s personnel for their selfless, tireless, and brave service of excellence, often in difficult circumstances.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, IOM Ethiopia, Media and Communications Officer Krizia Kaye, said that while observing International Migrants Day the economic role of migrants to the host nation is worth mentioning. According to her, using their skill migrants play a significant role in host nations.
The United Nations commemorate International Migrants Day on December 18 to highlight the contributions made by more than 280 million migrants globally, including more than 59 million Internally displaced people (IDPs), and the challenges they face. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the international convention to protect the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families on December 18, 1990.
The positive contribution of migrants all over the world is immense; this is especially true in Ethiopia where there are hundreds of thousands of migrants. According to her, one way or in the other, people with migrant backgrounds in Ethiopia have a positive contribution towards the economy.
These migrants are not only those people displaced from their own country; but they could also be those returnees. “For instance, if we take Ethiopians who left the country once to study abroad and returned home have a significant contribution to the growth of the nation by employing their skills and transferring knowledge to fellow citizens.
When asked to what extent the claim “Migrants are a burden to the economy of host nations” she said, “If migrants are managed properly, they can contribute enormously to the economy of the country. Managing migrants efficiently has always a positive contribution to migrants themselves as well as to the host country. However, it needs a lot of coordinated effort between several stakeholders:- the government, international organization and citizens themselves.
Concerning Ethiopia`s role towards creating a conducive environment for migrants, she said, IOM is working closely with the Government of Ethiopia; and there is a positive reaction from the government’s side, and it is always supportive to our efforts. This includes in areas of migration management, and in areas of migrants who need to return to their home, there is a big support from the government side.
According to the World Migration Report 2020, the vast majority of people continue to live in the countries in which they were born —only one in 30 is migrants. The current global estimate is that there were around 281 million international migrants in the world in 2020, which equates to 3.6 percent of the global population.
Overall, the estimated number of international migrants has increased over the past five decades. The total estimated 281 million people living in a country other than their countries of birth in 2020 was 128 million more than in 1990, and over three times the estimated number in 1970. The global community marks International Migrants Day on 18 of December.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 16 DECEMBER 2022
