Deputy PM Stresses Effective Migration Management as Key to Security, Development, and Human Rights
Addis Ababa, July 5, 2025 (FMC) — Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has underscored the critical importance of strengthening Ethiopia’s migration governance to safeguard national security, uphold refugee rights, and align with the country’s long-term development goals.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks at the opening of the annual review meeting of the National Migration Council, held today in Addis Ababa. The forum reviewed key activities and progress related to migration management over the past year.
Temesgen noted that Ethiopia has a long-established tradition of hosting and protecting foreign nationals, stating, “We currently host and safeguard over one million refugees and asylum seekers.”
He added that migration has become a major force shaping international discussions on human rights, peace, security, diplomacy, and development.
He stressed the need to strike a balance between Ethiopia’s sovereignty, national security, and development interests, while ensuring the protection and dignity of migrants and refugees.
According to the Deputy PM, integrating migration policy into ongoing economic reforms will be essential to harness the developmental potential of refugees and migrants.
“Migration is a core component of our Ten-Year Development Plan,” Temesgen said. “Our approach focuses on preventing irregular migration through coordinated action, strengthening the fight against human smuggling, and expanding legal pathways for foreign employment.”
He emphasized that, when properly managed, migration can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and broader development opportunities. Upholding the rights of migrants while protecting Ethiopia’s core national interests, he said, must remain a priority.
Temesgen also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Ethiopian citizens in vulnerable situations abroad.
He said efforts are ongoing to bring them home safely and support them through durable reintegration solutions.
Minister of Justice Hanna Araya Silasse also addressed the meeting and shared updates on the migration governance agenda.
She reported that a draft national migration policy has been finalized and submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration.
Hanna highlighted the key activities undertaken during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year, including the prevention of irregular migration, the expansion of legal employment opportunities abroad, the creation of domestic job alternatives, and the repatriation and reintegration of Ethiopian nationals facing hardship overseas.
She added that the Council is reviewing the implementation of migration-related tasks set during last year’s session, including efforts to curb migration-related crimes and strengthen legal and institutional frameworks.
It is expected that the Council will approve a series of new directives aimed at enhancing the country’s migration management system and operational capacity in the coming year.