UK Aims to Create Jobs in Ethiopia to Mitigate Irregular Migration

The UK government is implementing a new strategy to address irregular migration, focusing on creating job opportunities in the countries of origin rather than relying solely on border enforcement.

In this context, the British Foreign Secretary announced that her visit to Ethiopia on Monday, February 2, 2026, will center on discussions regarding development and economic programs aimed at youth in the Horn of Africa.

London believes that supporting the local job market in Ethiopia could help reduce the influx of migrants attempting to reach the UK through dangerous and illegal routes, as political debates surrounding migration and its implications in Europe intensify.