Ethiopia Passes Foreign Employment Law in a Bid to Prevent Illegal Migration

The House of Peoples’ Representatives has unanimously voted to repeal the outdated Foreign Employment Affairs Proclamation No. 923/2024 and replace it with Proclamation No. 1389/2025 during its 41st regular session held yesterday.

Presenting the resolution to parliament, Dr. Negeri Lencho, Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, Employment, and Technology Affairs highlighted that the previous law contained segmented clauses restricting categories of overseas work, including domestic service, unskilled labor, and partially foreign-educated roles, which hindered citizens’ ability to access timely and efficient overseas employment. 

The revised law clarifies that it will prevent illegal foreign work permits, enable a modern centralized work permit agency, protect the rights and security of citizens working abroad, and require sending agencies to deposit standby funds, all to safeguard citizens. 

This will provide a streamlined pathway for overseas work, emphasizing professional and technical skills, and supporting individuals with varied vocational backgrounds, including those lacking formal credentials or having non-traditional experience. 

Minister Muferihat Kamil of Labor and Skills contrasted the changes, noting the repeal will eliminate previous restrictions and promote technology-backed professional development aligned with national competitiveness objectives. “Previously marginalized professions and semi-skilled workers faced legal barriers,” noted the Minister, praising the repeal as a victory for legal clarity and equal opportunity. 

Lawmakers noted that the draft proclamation will save citizens from illegal brokers and prevent illegal trafficking.