Ethiopia Warns Against Irregular Labour Migration to Lebanon as Bilateral Deal Takes Effect

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ethiopian Consulate General in Beirut has urged citizens to avoid irregular channels of labour migration to Lebanon. Officials warned that informal recruitment networks are undermining the new bilateral employment agreement between the two countries.

The labour mobility arrangement has already entered the implementation phase. It aims to strengthen cooperation and better protect the rights and welfare of Ethiopian workers in Lebanon.

The consulate stressed that all Ethiopians seeking employment in Lebanon should use only licensed recruitment agencies and follow formal legal procedures. It warned that irregular migration creates challenges for both the agreement’s success and worker protection.

Individuals and groups facilitating irregular migration in Lebanon were urged to stop such activities. The statement reinforces Ethiopia’s push to manage overseas labour migration through official channels.

This warning comes as Ethiopia works to improve protections for its citizens working in Middle Eastern labour markets, where recruitment practices have long been a concern.

The bilateral deal is expected to provide safer and more structured employment opportunities for Ethiopian workers in Lebanon.