PM holds consultation with Ethiopian women in Middle East who ended up in shelters

Addis Ababa, February 15, 2020 (FBC) – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed held consultations with Ethiopian women who ended up in shelters from Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Jazan, Bahrain, Riyadh and other cities.

Senior government officials facilitated the detailed discussion session, according to office of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister expressed his sadness about the situation they are in due to irregular migration and violence by employers and traffickers.

He promised to find lasting solution in consultation with the governments of the Middle East countries.

The Prime Minister said that a consulate will open to closely follow up the status of migrants in Bahrain and consultations will be held to enable the migrants obtain a residence permit.

The government of Ethiopia will work to return the irregular migrants whose condition does not allow to get resident permit.

The participants of the discussion underlined that it is traffickers who expose migrants to harm and trouble.

They added they will be part of the solution by working with the governments of the Middle East countries in providing accurate information and evidence to expose traffickers.

The Prime Minister also met yesterday with members of the Ethiopian diaspora at Shabab Alahli stadium in Dubai.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister said his government will strive to do everything to protect the rights and dignity of Ethiopians living in the Middle East countries.

He also held talks with the UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The discussion focused on resolving challenges and responding to various questions raised by Ethiopians living in Dubai and throughout the Arab Emirates.