Executive Summary

This exploratory study sets out to understand the decision-making, migration patterns, employment
experiences, social networks and help-seeking behaviours among Ethiopian migrant domestic workers
(MDWs) in three Middle Eastern countries: Lebanon, Kuwait, and Jordan.

Through individual and group interviews, as well as field observations, we sought to understand:

1. What personal and structural vulnerabilities put Ethiopian domestic workers at risk of labour
   trafficking in the Middle East?
2. What are the experiences of Ethiopian women who have encountered labour trafficking in
   the Middle East?
3. How do regional policies and practices affect the help-seeking behaviour
   of labour-trafficking survivors?
4. How do Ethiopian domestic workers travel through various migration routes as well as
   establish and maintain communication with families and friends?

Recommendations

To address the challenges faced by Ethiopian migrants, particularly domestic workers, several key
actions are necessary:

In Ethiopia

1. Expanding the Ministry of Labor and Skills’ branches into rural areas is crucial to provide
   accessible information and services for prospective migrants, lowering the barrier to formal
   migration.
2. Training in financial literacy before departure can empower women to manage their income
   effectively, ensuring they can make informed decisions about remittances and savings.
3. Informal pre-departure information sessions can better prepare women for the realities of
   working abroad, including understanding destination-specific challenges and basic skills.
4. Planning ahead for emergencies, including social protection schemes and insurance, could
   support migrants in leaving abusive situations and facilitate their safe return.

In Destination Countries

1. Establishing migrant worker helpdesks within Ethiopian Embassies, staffed by NGOs, can
   offer critical support to migrants who are suffering abuse.
2. Strengthening oversight of recruitment agencies and ensuring adherence to protective
   standards are imperative for safeguarding migrant rights.
3. Additionally, enhancing post-arrival orientation to include rights awareness, financial literacy, and familiarisation with local customs and laws can significantly improve migrants’
   experiences and outcomes.

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