A draft proclamation seeking to regulate the foreign employment of Ethiopian nationals has been formally introduced to the House of Peoples’ Representatives and referred to the Standing Committee for Human Resources Development, Employment & Technology Affairs for in-depth scrutiny.
The legislation, tabled by Tesfaye Beljge (PhD), Chief Whip of the ruling Prosperity Party, aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the recruitment, deployment, and rights of Ethiopians working abroad. It delineates institutional responsibilities—particularly those of diplomatic missions—and introduces safeguards concerning employment contracts, earnings protection, and access to legal recourse.
During the parliamentary session, lawmakers emphasized that the draft law, once enacted, could offer structured protections for migrant workers, enhance consular support services, and contribute to a rise in foreign remittance inflows. They also highlighted its potential to support the reintegration of returning citizens and facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge acquired overseas.
The Standing Committee will now examine critical aspects of the proposal, including the regulation of private recruitment agencies, the duties of Ethiopian missions in host countries, and the prioritization of strategic sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and finance. The committee’s review marks the initial phase of what could become a landmark policy shaping Ethiopia’s approach to labour migration and diaspora engagement.