On October 24, 2013, Ethiopia banned its citizens from seeking jobs abroad, driven by concerns over their welfare, safety, exploitation, and illegal migration. This move disrupted the global labor market, particularly in the Middle East, where Ethiopian workers were in high demand.
This shift led to increased competition for labor from other countries, affecting wages and job conditions. While the ban aimed to protect Ethiopian workers, it also raised concerns about job losses and remittance cuts, as many families relied on income from overseas workers.
Ethiopia’s decision was a bold move to protect its citizens but had far-reaching consequences for its labor force and the global job market, highlighting the challenges of international labor migration.
