Ethiopia Dispatches Over 500,000 Workers Abroad Over Nine Months: MoLS

Addis: Ethiopia has seen a remarkable surge in overseas employment, with the number of citizens working abroad surpassing 500,000 following policy reforms, State Minister of Labor and Skills (MoLS), Daniel Teressa said. The state minister shared these figures during a Proclamation Familiarization Workshop in Addis.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the scale of migration has grown exponentially in a short period; from a modest 40,000 workers sent abroad annually in 2022, the nation has dispatched over half a million individuals-primarily to Gulf countries-within just the last nine months. He attributed this rapid increase to comprehensive structural reforms within the sector.Opening the workshop, State Minister Daniel Teressa highlighted the transformative journey of the past five years. He noted that significant reforms in labor and skill development have been enacted, including the introduction of robust legal frameworks and the digitalization of administrative processes. This overhaul was designed to modernize the labor market, ensuring services are efficient, transparent, and accessible to all, he elaborated.Daniel emphasized that the recent revisions to the Overseas Employment Proclamation-the third such update in a decade-have been instrumental in curbing human trafficking. By expanding legal pathways, the government has increased opportunities for domestic, semi-skilled, and highly skilled professionals alike. "Stakeholders must engage with responsibility and foresight to ensure these benefits reach everyone while minimizing the risks associated with migration," Daniel urged. He described well-managed labor migration as a "powerful catalyst for national economic growth."Yewubdar Hailu, a Team Lead at SNV (Netherlands Development Organization), commended the government's direction, noting that Ethiopia's labor and skills policies are now closely aligned with the aspirations of job-seeking youth and women. She pointed to the collaborative efforts under Proclamation No. 1389/2025 as a turning point f or fostering safer migration routes, reducing illegal movement, and encouraging entrepreneurship. "Through these partnerships, there is a clear commitment to addressing the hurdles faced by potential migrants," Yewubdar remarked, underscoring the vital role of specialized training and rights awareness in empowering citizens.Participants from regional bureaus and various employment agencies concluded the workshop by stressing the need for sustained cooperation. They noted that consistent engagement among all stakeholders is essential to protect the rights of workers and ensure that these gains continue to contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia's national development.