Between Hope and Hardship: Migration and work experiences of Ethiopian domestic workers in Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon

Between Hope and Hardship: Migration and work experiences of Ethiopian domestic workers in Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon

Between Hope and Hardship: Migration and work experiences of Ethiopian domestic workers in Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon

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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