ADDIS ABABA : The state-run Ethiopian News Agency reports that on the occasion of Labor Day, Ethiopia's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has officially banned its citizens from traveling to Beirut in search of jobs.

Ethiopia passed the bill after it probed the human right violations and domestic violence Ethiopian migrants face behind closed doors in Beirut while employed as maids.

According to a report published by Ethiopia's official news agency, past human right records show that 67 Ethiopian women have died between 1997 and 1999 alone while working in Beirut.

Ministry for Labor and Social Affairs said it would take strong action against any employment agency trying to send workers directly to Beirut or through a third country.

Over 100,000 Ethiopian workers are believed to be working in the Arab countries of the Middle East.