Empowering migrants, transforming economies
Labour migration is a powerful force shaping economies and societies across the globe, offering both opportunities and complex challenges. In this exclusive interview, Aida Awel, an expert involved with the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO), sheds light on the multifaceted impacts of labour migration for Ethiopia and its neighbouring countries. The discussion explores the economic and social benefits for both countries of origin and destination, delves into the pressing challenges faced by Ethiopian migrants, especially those navigating irregular migration, and highlights the critical role of bilateral labour migration agreements and robust data systems in protecting migrants’ rights. With practical examples and policy insights, this interview provides a comprehensive look at how strategic migration governance can foster inclusive development, safeguard vulnerable workers, and drive sustainable change in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Capital: What are the economic and social benefits of labour migration for both the countries of origin and destination, particularly regarding development and integration?
Aida Awel: When properly managed, labour migration can yield significant economic and social benefits for the countries of origin and destination, as well as for the migrants and their families. It promotes development and integration by addressing labour market needs, driving economic growth, and enriching cultural diversity.
For countries of origin, one of the most direct economic benefits is the remittances sent back by migrant workers. These funds are often crucial for families, improving their living standards, enhancing human development, and reducing poverty. In 2024, remittances to Ethiopia exceeded $6 billion. Additionally, migrant workers frequently acquire new skills and knowledge abroad, which they can bring back home. This transfer of skills can boost productivity and foster innovation in their home countries. For example, many returning migrants in Ethiopia contribute to local industry development by introducing fresh perspectives and inspiring entrepreneurial initiatives. Labour migration also alleviates unemployment pressures and eases the strain on local job markets, enabling countries like Ethiopia to better allocate human resources more effectively and further enhancing economic development through the influx of hard currency from remittances.
From the perspective of destination countries, migrant workers play a crucial role in addressing labour market gaps, particularly in essential sectors facing domestic labour shortages. Their presence ensures the efficient operation of these industries and bolsters overall economic growth. Furthermore, migrant workers contribute to the host country’s economy through their labour, purchasing goods and services, paying taxes, and occasionally investing in local businesses and social security systems. They bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences that can stimulate workplace innovation and creativity, resulting in the development of new products, services, and business models, thereby creating a more dynamic and competitive economy. Additionally, labour migration assists in tackling demographic challenges in host nations, such as ageing populations and declining birth rates, by providing the requisite workforce to support an ageing society and maintain social welfare systems and public services.
In a nutshell, labour migration presents numerous economic and social benefits for both countries of origin and destination. It promotes development and integration, meets labour market demands, stimulates economic growth, and enhances cultural diversity. By acknowledging and harnessing these benefits, policymakers can foster more inclusive and prosperous societies for everyone.
Capital: What are the primary challenges faced by Ethiopian migrants, particularly regarding irregular migration and exploitation?
Aida: Many Ethiopian migrants face significant challenges, especially those migrating irregularly to the Middle East. A large proportion of this migration involves low-skilled sectors, such as domestic work, which often fall outside the protections of local labour laws. As a result, these migrants frequently encounter numerous difficulties, leading to exploitation and heightened vulnerability. Irregular migration subjects them to various risks, including forced labour, human trafficking, and mistreatment by employers and private employment agencies. Many find themselves in precarious situations where their rights are ignored, exposing them to inhumane working conditions, low wages, and both physical and psychological abuse. The lack of legal protections exacerbates these issues, leaving many migrants powerless and unable to seek justice.
Unfortunately, the vulnerabilities faced by migrants often begin before they even depart, particularly in their home countries. Many, especially those from rural areas with limited financial resources, are targeted by informal or illegal recruiters who charge exorbitant fees. To afford these costs, families may sell their land, liquidate assets, or take out loans, imposing a significant financial burden on them. This economic strain puts migrants and their families at a disadvantage right from the start of their migration journey, often leaving them in debt or having sacrificed essential resources. There is no guarantee that these financial investments will yield returns, further jeopardising their economic well-being.
Migrants with irregular status are particularly at risk, as they often rely on illegal brokers, smugglers, or traffickers to facilitate their journeys. This dependency exposes them to exploitation and abuse at various stages of the migration process. Even in destination countries, migrants in irregular status live in constant fear of deportation. As a result, they may endure abuse, including severe forms such as sexual violence, at the hands of their employers but hesitate to report these incidents or seek help from authorities or hospitals due to their undocumented status. In many nations, being undocumented is still criminalized, despite the fact that these individuals are not criminals and are not engaging in any unlawful activities.
In many cases, if a worker wishes to terminate their contract within the first three months or disagrees with their employer, they should have the option to return home. Ideally, this choice should belong to the migrant workers; however, employers and private employment agencies often resist these requests. The cycle of abuse, as I mentioned, begins in the country of origin, continues in the destination, and sometimes persists even upon return. Here in Ethiopia, returnees frequently face stigma and discrimination. While some return successfully, many come back empty-handed, having failed to improve their circumstances abroad. Reintegration is yet another challenge, as returnees often have to start over entirely. Migrants embark on these journeys with hopes for a better life, yet many return home with little to show for their efforts. Reintegration can be difficult, and without effective migration governance, the entire migration cycle, from departure to return, can be fraught with obstacles. In light of this, the BRMM program collaborates closely with the Ethiopian government and other relevant stakeholders to address migration challenges and improve overall labour migration governance. Key areas of support include
Legislative Framework: We assist in developing and implementing comprehensive policies, proclamations, and bilateral labour migration agreements that protect migrant rights and promote safe, regular migration. The ILO has supported the Ethiopian government in creating the Overseas Employment Proclamation 923/2016 and its amendment in 2021, which is currently under review. We also provide technical commentary during the negotiation of bilateral labour migration agreements with destination countries.
Capacity Building: We offer training and resources to government officials and agencies involved in migration management to enhance their effectiveness in addressing migration issues.
Data Collection and Analysis: Our support includes collecting and analysing migration data to inform policy decisions and improve migration management strategies.
The Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) programme plays a vital role in supporting Ethiopian migrants. It focuses on providing support and protection to migrants, ensuring their rights are upheld, and assisting those who have experienced exploitation. Key initiatives under the BRMM programme include:
Awareness Campaigns: We educate potential migrants about the risks of irregular migration and the importance of using regular migration channels.
Skills Development: We support upskilling and reskilling initiatives for migrants, helping countries like Ethiopia recognise prior learning and develop occupational standards aligned with international benchmarks, ensuring Ethiopian migrant workers remain competitive in the global labour market.
Protection: We offer support services to migrants who have been trafficked or exploited upon their return, including assistance with reintegration into the labour market.
Capital: How is the BRMM program assisting the Ethiopian government and migrant workers in addressing this crucial matter?
Aida: Our support ensures these agreements are gender-sensitive and align with international labour standards. While adopting these recommendations is ultimately the government’s responsibility, the ILO provides the necessary technical input to integrate gender-responsive measures that protect both male and female migrant workers. Beyond departure and legal frameworks, we have collaborated with Ethiopian diplomatic missions in destination countries to enhance consular services. This includes capacity-building efforts to ensure these missions can effectively inform migrants about their rights and assist them in seeking recourse when needed. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided financial support to Ethiopian diplomatic missions in various countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon, enabling them to deliver critical services to stranded migrants, including emergency shelter and general assistance. We have also supported these missions in helping Ethiopian migrant workers access justice in destination countries, particularly in cases of wage theft, allowing them to hire legal representation. Upon their return, the ILO, through the BRMM program, continues to provide comprehensive reintegration assistance to facilitate their re-entry into the labour market. Many returnees, especially women, aspire to start small businesses. We offer training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy to help them create, manage, and grow their income. In collaboration with financial institutions, we also facilitate access to credit for returnees wishing to launch or expand their enterprises
Additionally, we have implemented targeted cash transfer programs. Since the majority of regular migrants from Ethiopia are women, most of our assistance has directly benefited female migrant workers, although we strive to serve both women and men equally. Nonetheless, female migrants have constituted the majority of our beneficiaries.
Capital: What roles do bilateral labour migration agreements (BLMAs) serve in safeguarding the rights of Ethiopian migrant workers, and what obstacles hinder their implementation? How are these challenges being addressed?
Aida: A balanced trade and labour migration agreement serves as a framework for both origin and destination countries to define and agree on their roles and responsibilities. It represents a mutual commitment to uphold and protect the rights of migrant workers while regulating labour mobility in an orderly and fair manner. Through the BRMM and other programmes, the ILO supports these processes by providing guidance based on international labour standards. We offer technical input and recommendations to governments to ensure that bilateral labour migration agreements align with these standards and reflect the rights of migrant workers.
However, a significant challenge is the lack of mechanisms to monitor the implementation of these bilateral labour agreements effectively. This gap is a persistent issue for both origin and destination countries. Although agreements may be formally signed, their practical application often falls short. Many rights outlined in these agreements are not upheld once migrants arrive in their destination countries. Additionally, migrants frequently lack awareness of any complaint mechanisms that might exist, which leads to inaction when their rights are violated.
Another critical issue is the general lack of awareness regarding the content of these agreements. For instance, Ethiopia has signed agreements with approximately six destination countries, yet very few people, including migrant workers, understand what has been agreed upon. For a migrant to assert her rights, she must first comprehend what those rights are and what protections the agreement provides. This lack of awareness, particularly among migrants, significantly limits the potential impact of such agreements.
Moreover, these agreements are typically not made public, creating an additional barrier. When the contents of bilateral labour migration agreements are inaccessible, migrants remain uninformed, and other stakeholders, including civil society and support institutions, cannot effectively assist migrant workers or hold relevant actors accountable. This lack of transparency obstructs the potential benefits these agreements are intended to deliver.
Capital: What is the importance of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) in shaping labour migration policies, and how does it contribute to informed decision-making?Aida: The Labour Market Information System (LMIS) is crucial because it provides relevant information about the labour market. Access to accurate data and statistics is essential for effective policymaking and informed program development. Unfortunately, comprehensive labour market data is limited in most countries, especially in the context of labour migration, where data gaps are even more pronounced. A well-functioning and robust LMIS can offer valuable insights. For example, if there is a surplus in a specific sector, such as an excess of engineers in Ethiopia or high unemployment in certain regions, whether urban
or rural, this information is vital for considering labour migration or addressing domestic employment challenges.
The Labour Market Information System (LMIS) is essential for forecasting future labour market needs. By examining trends 20 to 30 years into the future, a robust LMIS can identify which sectors are likely to grow and what skills will be in demand, especially in light of the digital economy’s expansion. Consequently, policy development relies on this data; for example, if there is a need to encourage labour migration in a specific sector, that information must be factored into policy decisions. Alternatively, if there’s a necessity to promote skills development, such as through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policies, to enhance digital competencies, policies can be tailored accordingly. Ultimately, the LMIS supports evidence-based policymaking, allowing governments to respond proactively and remain competitive in the fast-evolving global labour market.
Capital: Why is it vital to have accurate labour migration statistics for effective policy development, and what measures does the ILO undertake to improve the quality of these statistics?
Aida: Statistics serve as the foundation for informed decision-making. Developing effective policies is impossible without a clear understanding of the background, challenges, and opportunities. For instance, 20 years ago, labour migration was not regarded as a significant issue in Ethiopia. However, as the number of migrant workers increased, concerns grew, as reflected in the available data. This prompted the government to develop policies, such as the Overseas Employment Proclamation, in response to rising reports of abuse. These interventions were initiated because data revealed a pressing problem that required attention. This underscores the critical importance of statistics; they inform the design of policies that are both responsive and impactful in improving governance and the conditions faced by migrants. Labour migration statistics are particularly essential as they provide insights into the scale and dynamics of migration. For example, the Gulf region is a primary destination, with close to half a million people migrating there annually. As a result, the government prioritises policies related to the Gulf, given its significance and associated challenges. Protecting migrant workers, including regulating private recruitment agencies, has become a priority in the past 10 to 15 years. Previously, even travel agents could send individuals abroad without sufficient oversight due to the lack of regulation in the sector. As data revealed the increasing scale of migration, sometimes exceeding 300,000 individuals in just six months—the government recognised the urgent need for action. These developments were made possible by the availability and utilisation of statistical evidence; without such data, governance would be akin to navigating in the dark.
To enhance labour migration statistics, the ILO collaborates closely with governments in Ethiopia and other East and Horn of African countries involved in the BRRM programme. A significant platform for this effort is the International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), held by the ILO in Geneva, which convenes statisticians from around the globe to develop tools, methodologies, indicators, and standard definitions. Notably, the 20th ICLS focused specifically on labour migration statistics, exploring how to incorporate this data into labour force surveys, censuses, and household surveys. Through these global standards and national partnerships, the ILO ensures that labour migration policies are based on accurate, reliable, and timely data.
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