Reflecti ons on the Practical Life Expe ri ence of Ethi opian Domes tic Workers in the Middle Ea st Countries: A case study of Return ees in Addis Ababa cit y
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Date
2013-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of this research is to assess the practical life experience of Ethiopian Domestic
workers in the Middle East countries. The research is basically done by gathering information
from Ethiopian returnees from these countries. This study is an explorative analysis and the
methodology combines both quantitative and qualitative type of data and information. It employs
both primary and secondary sources of data. The data collection methods include document
review, opinion survey and interview. The study area is Addis Ababa city and accordingly one
hundred and five returnees who live in Addis Ababa city were selected tlu·ough Snow Ball
sampling and given the chance to fill self administered questioners. The data obtained analyzed
through percentages and summarized form in order to reflect the respondent's response in
organized manner. The study has revealed that, Ethiopian domestic workers faced many
problems in the Middle East countries. In these countries, they are exposed to abuse of their
human rights including detention, rape, bodily injuries and others. In the extreme situations they
lose their life. In addition, they faced overwork and nonpayment of their salary by the employers.
In addition to thi s, absence of legal protection and support from the agencies and Ethiopian
embassies are central problems. The cumulative effect of all these factors also results a big
deviation between expectations and achievements on the side of these Ethiopian domestic
workers. The study has come up with recommendation that should be taken at all levels.
Accordingly, domestic workers must use legally recogni zed agencies while they plan their
journey to these countries, maintain strong and close relationship with Ethiopian
embassies/consular offices, government follow up and control of illegal agencies, negoti ation
with host countries when problems arise are some of the policy implications of the paper.
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Ethiopian Domestic workers in the Middle East countries