To Ethiopian Airlines,

RE: Reinstate Fair Baggage Allowance for Labour Migrants on Ethiopian Airlines

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by a recent policy implemented by Ethiopian Airlines that restricts labour migrant passengers; particularly migrant workers traveling to Gulf countries, from carrying any checked-in baggage. According to this policy, these passengers are now only allowed 7kg of hand luggage, which is inadequate and unjust for long-term international travel.

Why This Is a Problem:

Unfair Targeting: The policy specifically affects “labour passengers,” many of whom are low-income workers leaving their home countries for extended periods to support their families. Targeting this group alone is discriminatory and strips them of dignity.

Violation of Dignity and Rights: These workers often travel with essential personal items, basic supplies, and fruit gifts for their hosts or employers. Denying them checked-in baggage undermines their ability to travel with dignity and preparedness.

Lack of Consultation: This sudden change was implemented without clear consultation or adequate notice to labour export companies, or the workers themselves.

Our Demands:

We respectfully call upon Ethiopian Airlines and CAA to:

1. Reverse the baggage policy restricting ONLY labour passengers from carrying checked-in luggage.

2. Ensure equal treatment for all passengers regardless of their job title or visa classification.

3. Engage in stakeholder consultation before introducing such drastic changes affecting thousands of migrant workers.

PLEASE NOTE: Labour migrants are not second-class travelers. They are the backbone of many economies (i believe we do remember COVID 19 era)  and deserve fair, dignified treatment and not added hardship. We urge Ethiopian Airlines and all concerned authorities to act swiftly and humanely by reinstating a reasonable baggage allowance for labour passengers.

Yours Sincerely,
(The Undersigned)

c.c
- Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
- Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development