Ethiopia: The “liberty of movement” ALEMAYEHU G MARIAM
“Government announces temporary ban on traveling abroad for work” In an effort to curb the rising tide of abuse and exploitation of Ethiopian migrants, [there will be] a temporary freeze on citizens traveling abroad for employment. The temporary ban has been issued to prevent abuse and even killings of many Ethiopians who have travelled abroad for work. The ban is intended to remain in force until legal, administrative and institutional gaps in foreign employment have been addressed. These measures had become necessary because previous efforts by the Government to ensure the rights of Ethiopian workers abroad had failed to achieve their aim. Ensuring safe working remains one of the priority areas of the government. The temporary freeze on foreign employment travel and suspension of foreign employment agencies is expected to speed up improvement of working conditions for Ethiopians working overseas. Is the “temporary freeze on foreign employment travel” constitutio