The Ethiopian Migrant crisis in Myanmar: a descent from aspiration to desperation

The main purpose of this article was to examine the unseen struggles of Ethiopian migrants in Myanmar, Southeast Asia. This paper is significant in offering theoretical insights for national and global stakeholders to address the hidden calamity of Ethiopian migrants in Myanmar. It employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design, and data were collected through interviews and document analysis. The data was analysed through thematic analysis. Based on the analysis, the study found that the Ethiopian migrants in Myanmar seek better possibilities outside the country's extreme economic difficulties, political unrest, and lack of opportunities. Human traffickers and smugglers provide jobs throughout Southeast Asia, luring many with false promises, only to trap them in exploitative conditions. Due to ambiguous immigration laws and bigotry, migrants in Myanmar are not legally protected and may be detained, deported, or exploited. Poor living circumstances, mistreatment, and restricted access to medical care, diplomatic support, and safe repatriation are all faced by stranded migrants. Instead of improving livelihoods, the trip from Ethiopia to Myanmar commonly results in increased desperation. It suggested fortifying bilateral contracts, fighting trafficking networks, assuring human deportation, and refining Ethiopia's economic and political conditions for long-term solutions that lessen forced migration.