Ethiopia Champions Safe and Development-Oriented Migration

Addis Ababa, December 9, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is actively participating in the 116th Session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), taking place from December 8 to 10, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.

In his remarks, Ermias Yemanebirhan Hailemariam, State Minister of Justice, emphasized that migration is a key pillar of Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan and broader national transformation agenda.

Ermias welcomed the adoption of the IOM Ethiopia Country Strategy (2025–2029) and highlighted major national reforms, including the drafting of a Comprehensive Migration Policy, strengthened whole-of-government coordination, expanded bilateral labour agreements, ethical recruitment measures, and enhanced skills development through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.

Ethiopia’s intervention at the Council follows its proactive participation in the African Migration Ministerial Roundtable, where it emphasized labour mobility as a driver of development and outlined progress in dignified returns and reintegration.

In both forums, Ethiopia underscored advancements in border management, including the deployment of IOM’s Migration Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and the establishment of One-Stop Border Posts.

Ermias called for stronger continental and international cooperation to address irregular migration and human trafficking, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote resilient, rights-based migration governance.

On the sidelines of the IOM Council, Ermias held bilateral meetings with multiple delegations to explore potential avenues for cooperation in the field of migration, the Ethiopian Permanent Mission in Geneva told Fana Media Corporation.