Responsible recruitment of Ethiopian women migrants who seek domestic work in the Middle East

Hosted by The Freedom Fund

Strong demand for low-wage workers in the Middle East, coupled with fewer job opportunities at home, have helped sustain high rates of migration from Ethiopia to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Kuwait. Most women are using informal brokers and opting for irregular migration to earn a living abroad, and face a high-risk of labour exploitation and human trafficking.

The panel will explore the roles of the “chain” of middlemen who recruit women into jobs overseas, and discuss how policies and services can be improved to prevent exploitation and protect the wellbeing of Ethiopian migrant domestic workers in the Middle East.