Written By AFP

Ethiopians attend a religious festival in Addis Ababa on January 19, 2018. Ethiopia has lifted a ban on domestic workers moving overseas after passing a new law to guard against ill-treatment. (AFP / ZACHARIAS ABUBEKER)

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia has lifted a ban on domestic workers moving overseas after passing a new law to guard against ill-treatment, a government official said on Thursday.

Africa’s second-most populous country instituted the ban five years ago following reports of abuse, and complaints that employment agencies lured Ethiopians into working abroad in illegal and appalling conditions.

Abebe Haile, a director at the labour ministry, said the new law regulates employment agencies that connect jobless Ethiopians with work in foreign countries.

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The wreckage of a truck torched during recent demonstrations is seen along the road in Holonkomi town, in Oromiya region of Ethiopia, December 17, 2015 (Reuters)

AFP | Nairobi Saturday, 19 December 2015

At least 75 people have been killed during weeks of protests in Ethiopia which have seen soldiers and police firing on demonstrators, Human Rights Watch said on Saturday.

“Police and military forces have fired on demonstrations, killing at least 75 protesters and wounding many others, according to activists,” HRW said in a statement. Read more →