Ethiopia Bans Citizens From Traveling to Beirut to Work

Ethiopia has banned Ethiopians from traveling to take up jobs in Beirut because of “human rights violations” and “various domestic violence” committed against its citizens working there. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs said on Thursday that the decision to suspend work travel to Beirut was made after thousands of Ethiopians suffered human rights abuses and harassment in Beirut.

“Suspending the work travel to Beirut was the only solution to minimize the human rights abuses on our citizens,” said Zenebu Tadesse, the state minister for labour and social affairs.

During the past few years, a number of Ethiopians have been killed in Beirut by their employers.

The ministry said it would take strong action against any employment agency trying to send workers to Beirut.

It is estimated there are over 50,000 Ethiopians working in Beirut, mainly women who work as house maids.

Over 100,000 Ethiopian workers are believed to be working in the Arab countries of the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia celebrated Labour Day on Thursday with calls for hard work to improve productivity and bring Ethiopia to “middle class standard” status in 10-15 years.

Source African Press Agency

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