Urgent need to enhance labour migration governance in Tigray, Ethiopia

Ethiopia, the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa, has emerged as a significant player in labour migration, serving as a source, transit, and destination country for migrant workers. In recent years, labour migration in Ethiopia has witnessed substantial growth, especially towards the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where domestic workers are in high demand. However, Ethiopian migrant workers often face numerous challenges such as low wages, poor working and living conditions, limited access to social protection, denial of workers' rights, discrimination, and social exclusion.

Recognizing the importance of efficient labour migration governance, stakeholders are striving to maximize the benefits for migrant workers and their families while minimizing associated risks and social costs. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP ACTION) supports member states, including Ethiopia, in enhancing labour migration governance through evidence-based, rights-based, and gender-sensitive policies and practices. In light of the recent irregular migration situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, there is an urgent need to strengthen governance and regulation of labour migration to address the challenges faced by individuals seeking employment opportunities outside the country.

To address the pressing issues related to labour migration in the Tigray region, the JLMP ACTION, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) with the support of Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), conducted a three-day capacity-building training from April 4 to 6, 2024, at the Axum Hotel in Mekele, Tigray.

The training focused on the Overseas Employment Proclamation and international labour migration governance. It brought together 57 participants (15 Female and 42 Male), including coordinators and experts from regional, zonal, and wereda levels, private employment agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and federal government representatives from MoLS, Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Affairs (MoWSA).

The training aimed to bridge the knowledge gap on overseas employment regulations, enhance the understanding and enforcement of regulations and international labour standards, reduce risks associated with irregular migration, and establish a more structured and secure labour migration framework in the Tigray region. The outputs of the training included an increased capacity of stakeholders to effectively implement and enforce overseas employment regulations and the establishment of a foundation for mitigating risks of irregular migration and creating a secure labour migration framework in the region.

The training sessions covered the national Overseas Employment Proclamation and various topics crucial to labour migration governance. During the Welcoming and Opening session, key stakeholders highlighted the significance of effective labour migration governance and the commitment required from all levels of involvement. The importance of protecting the rights of migrant workers and aligning with ILO standards was emphasized.

Subsequent sessions provided insights into the current trends and priorities of the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) on labour migration. The multifaceted aspects of labour migration in Ethiopia were discussed, along with the challenges faced by Ethiopian migrants, particularly women and girls. The government's efforts to improve labour migration governance, including the revision of the Overseas Employment Proclamation and the negotiation of Bilateral Agreements (BLAs) with destination countries, were also highlighted.

The training also featured a comprehensive overview of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the dynamics of labour migration on a global, regional, and Ethiopian level. Participants gained valuable insights into the ILO's role as the UN specialized agency on the world of work and its commitment to promoting fair migration based on workers' rights.

The capacity-building training on labour migration governance in the Tigray region of Ethiopia proved to be a significant step towards addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration and establishing a more secure labour migration framework. By equipping stakeholders with essential knowledge and tools, the training aimed to enhance the implementation and enforcement of overseas employment regulations and promote sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

Efficient labour migration governance is crucial for maximizing the benefits for migrant workers, protecting their rights, and creating opportunities for their families. Through collaborative efforts between the ILO JLMP Action, MoLS, and other stakeholders, Ethiopia is striving to create a safer and more structured labour migration system that ensures the well-being and prosperity of its migrants.