Labor Migration of Ethiopian Women to the Middle East

As the 15th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit approaches, it will spotlight critical discussions on migration and development policies, particularly regarding the human rights and protections needed for migrant workers both abroad and within their home countries. This article examines the rising trend of labor migration in Ethiopia, with a specific focus on women seeking economic opportunities in the Middle East. By exploring these issues, we aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue initiated by the GFMD Summit.

The Middle East has emerged as a primary destination for Ethiopian women, driven by the promise of higher wages and improved living standards. Historically, the trend of labor migration can be traced back to previous regimes that encouraged out-migration as a means of alleviating domestic unemployment and economic hardship (World Bank, 2023). As of recent estimates, approximately 400,000 Ethiopian women are currently working in the Middle East, representing a significant portion of the labor force in this region (IOM, 2022). These women contribute to the Ethiopian economy, with remittances from the Middle East accounting for approximately 4.5% of Ethiopia's GDP as of 2021.

However, this migration is fraught with challenges. Many women face inadequate legal protections, gender-specific vulnerabilities, and human rights concerns, which often leave them exposed to exploitation and abuse. Despite the economic benefits of remittances, the risks associated with labor migration highlight the need for stronger protections and support for these workers.
 

Gender-Specific Drivers of Migration

Several gender-specific factors drive Ethiopian women to migrate for labor. Economic necessity is a primary motivator, as many women seek to support their families back home. Cultural norms often dictate that women are responsible for the financial well-being of their households, which intensifies the pressure to seek employment abroad (Zewdie, 2018). Additionally, the promise of higher wages in the Middle East can be enticing, with some women reporting wages that are several times higher than what they could earn in Ethiopia. However, these drivers are accompanied by significant vulnerabilities. Women often face discrimination and limited job opportunities within Ethiopia, leading them to view migration as their best option. The lack of access to education and vocational training further exacerbates these vulnerabilities, as many women are unprepared for the challenges they may face abroad (Meron Zeleke, 2019).
 

Legal and Policy Frameworks

Ethiopian policy regarding female domestic workers in the Middle East has evolved to address various challenges, focusing on enhancing their safety and rights. The government has implemented regulations to oversee recruitment agencies, ensuring that workers are informed about their rights and work conditions. Following a temporary ban on migration in 2013 due to abuse allegations, the ban was lifted in 2018 with stricter regulations. Training programs have been introduced to equip workers with language skills and cultural sensitivity, while awareness campaigns inform potential migrants about the risks of overseas employment. Ethiopia is also actively pursuing bilateral agreements with Middle Eastern countries to protect its workers and improve their conditions. In destination countries, labor laws vary significantly, affecting the rights and protections available to migrant workers.

Many Middle Eastern countries lack comprehensive legal frameworks that address the specific needs of female domestic workers. For example, the Kafala system, prevalent in countries like Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, ties migrant workers to their employers, limiting their freedom of movement and making them vulnerable to abuse (Human Rights Watch, 2020). Additionally, support services, including counseling and reintegration programs for returning workers, have been established to further safeguard their well-being. The Ministry of Labor and skills has established guidelines for licensed recruitment agencies, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.  However, enforcement remains weak, leading to the proliferation of unlicensed agencies that often exploit women.

Human Rights Concerns

The migration of Ethiopian women to the Middle East raises serious human rights concerns. Reports of exploitation, abuse, and trafficking are alarmingly common. Many women enter into contracts that do not reflect the realities of their working conditions, leaving them susceptible to labor exploitation (IOM, 2019). Instances of physical and sexual abuse by employers have been documented, with victims often lacking the means or support to seek justice.  Furthermore, the lack of legal protection in destination countries exacerbates these issues. Migrant workers frequently encounter hostile environments where their rights are not recognized. The Kafala system, for instance, has been criticized for creating a power imbalance that enables employers to exploit workers without fear of repercussions (Amnesty International, 2019).

Labor migration of Ethiopian women to the Middle East is a complex issue shaped by various legal, social, and economic factors. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing support for migrant workers, and promoting gender equality in both Ethiopia and destination countries, something that we try to advocate for with State-and Non-state-actors-partners in the upcoming 15th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit.