Globalization is impacting global countries positively and negatively and becoming real in a number of ways including in the economic, social as well as political spheres of the global community. For instance, by expanding industries, generating new employment opportunities in the agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors among others and allowing citizens to have increased employment prospects, globalization is benefitting billions of jobless citizens of developing countries.
The demand for skilled workforce is not limited within the territory of a given country but also across borders. Mainly through enhancing international relations, allowing labor mobility, and enhancing the involvement of women in the labor market for employment, it is resulting in increased opportunities overseas. However, this does not mean that globalization is free from inconveniences and challenges; rather, it has its own hurdles and problems, especially in developing countries. However, in terms of providing jobs both locally and abroad, transferring technology, knowledge and skills, it is benefitting noticeably.
The opportunity is also benefiting more Ethiopians substantially. Particularly, the expansion of investment activities at home and the flourishing of various manufacturing industries, trade among others coupled with the ever increasing demand for workforces from abroad (skilled and unskilled), massive employment opportunities have enabled addressing local employment needs and are offering benefits to more Ethiopians.
Equally important, the measure taken by the government to legalize the process of sending workforces overseas and improve labor migration governance is witnessing encouraging progress in terms of capacitating migrants with the required knowledge and skills, curbing illegal migration, protecting their rights and the incidences of abuses against workers to some extent. Currently, Ethiopia, reaching agreement with various countries, is providing training for its workforces who are aspiring to heading to different destinations.
With regard to this and the benefits that legal migration offers for individual migrants, origin and destination countries, The Ethiopian Herald approached Software Engineering student at Addis Ababa Institute of Technology University Firaole Mulugeta to have his insight towards the matter.
According to him, expanding legal overseas employment opportunities is a wonderful opportunity for both the destination country and country of origin in many ways. These days, the world is interconnected more than ever before and is becoming a single village. Owing to this, the demand at some corner is affecting the end instantly. The other way round, it has created a challenge for countries by encouraging young people to develop a tendency to migrate illegally.
“In our case, the effort exerted to address unemployment through putting legal overseas employment framework is a laudable move to overcome challenges that migrant workers face from origin to destination countries, ensure their safety dignity, thereby reducing the high burden of joblessness. In my understanding, it could help career and skills development; garner economic opportunities both for the workers and their home country through remittances.”
He further noted that legal overseas employment programs can help match workers to where their skills are most needed, benefiting both employees and employers. In this regard, the program could be one channel that provides migrant workforces an opportunity to acquire new skills and experience; gain better earnings thereby contributing their share to the growth and development of their country.
There is a growing attitude among the local and international community that working overseas is a valuable mechanism in developing skills, fostering professional networks and for career advancement aside from economic issues. In this regard utilizing the opportunity and cultivating the return is critical, he concluded.
Speaking to the media, Labor and Skills Minister, Muferihat Kamil noted the efforts are underway to expand legal overseas employment to Europe and Asia in addition to the Middle East in a well-organized fashion.
According to her, better payment and employer relationships are being created by protecting the rights, dignity and safety of citizens through legal agreements with respective countries.
Stating that works are being carried out to expand legal overseas employment to Europe and Asia in addition to the Middle East, the Minister said 304,000 citizens have been able to secure overseas employment in ten months in countries that have legal agreements with Ethiopia.
Ethiopian embassies in respective countries are providing close support for Ethiopians, she said, adding that activities are also underway to further strengthen people-to-people relations with the countries.
Stressing the need to take utmost cautions for citizens from illegal traffickers, she said that strict surveillance is in place on entities involved in such illegal activities..
Muferihat urged citizens to tip and report legal instances to the Ministry and law enforcement agencies.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan and Qatar are currently providing legal employment; while a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed with Beirut and Kuwait to begin an employment agreement, it was learned.
Former Addis Ababa Youth Diaspora Association founder Tofik Hassen said that MoLS approach is ideal because it lets individuals benefit from overseas job opportunities.
The Ministry’s initiative to facilitate overseas job opportunities is a courageous act and it is an important step; because it could bring and benefit citizens. “In my understanding, it is the best way to ensure technology transfer and self-development, work culture and the perception of other nations towards Ethiopia citizens.
It is true that though there is employer demand in the market, gaining legal authorization to work abroad is becoming hectic, for it has to navigate through complex recruitment systems.
“In our context, there are a number of challenges individuals face while navigating to look for job opportunities. As many destination countries have strict quotas, eligibility criteria, and application processes for work visas and permits. The engagement of MoLS could help in running it smoothly.”
Responding to the accord with countries, he said that it lets both parties be accountable for any form of deviation in the process.
According to him, in most cases, gaining employment opportunities abroad denies access to social protections, healthcare, and other basic benefits. In this respect, the approach devised by the Ministry could literally address the challenges in civilized fashion.
“Because it is common for overseas workers to face language and cultural barriers as well as competency gaps, I would like to encourage pertinent stakeholders to work diligently in adjusting to a new language, cultural environment and address skill gaps through training,” he opined.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2024
