Going to the Gulf for work: how to check a recruitment agency is licensed before you pay or sign anything

Overseas work for Ethiopians is governed by the Overseas Employment Proclamation No. 923/2016, reported to have been amended by Proclamation 1246/2021. What the law and published guidance say: - Overseas deployment is meant to go through licensed private agencies, government bodies, or direct hiring under the law - Deployment generally depends on a bilateral agreement or memorandum of understanding with the destination country - An ILO guide for migrants advises using licensed agencies and getting their details from the labour ministry or regional labour bureau - The ILO guide lists government-to-government agreements with Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE Practical checks before paying or signing: - Ask the agency for its licence number and confirm it with the Ministry of Labour and Skills or the regional bureau - Get the contract in a language you understand and keep copies - Ask what fees the law lets an agency charge you (check current rule) - Confirm the destination country is currently approved for deployment, because the rules and bans have changed over the years - Never rely on a 'visa seller' or informal broker Questions: - Which agency did you use, and how did you confirm its licence? - What problems appeared in your contract compared with the promise? Share your experience below, including what you would check first next time.