Ethiopian Immigration Service denies allegations of arbitrary fees, deportation of Eritrean nationals
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In a statement issued on 13 December, the ICS addressed reports suggesting that Eritrean nationals were being charged up to $4,000 for exit permits or targeted for deportation.
The service called these allegations “unsubstantiated” and emphasized that any measures taken against foreign nationals, including Eritreans, are “in accordance with Ethiopian law and not discriminatory.”
The ICS explained that Eritreans, like citizens of other neighboring countries, are permitted to enter Ethiopia visa-free and stay for up to 90 days with an entry stamp. However, it stated, “Challenges arise when individuals overstay their legal duration or engage in unauthorized activities.”
The service noted that some foreign nationals, including Eritreans, have violated immigration laws. “A considerable number of foreigners are engaged in unauthorized fields of work without work permits or residency permits,” the statement read.
The ICS also referred to other violations involving foreign nationals, such as “illegal mineral trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, contraband, and document forgery,” adding that these issues are not restricted to any specific nationality. The service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing Ethiopia’s laws “without discrimination.”
The statement further alleged that some Eritrean nationals use family visits as a pretext for illegal activities. According to the ICS, these include “smuggling goods across borders through countries like Dubai, Eritrea, and Uganda.”
The ICS criticized certain media outlets for what it called “incorrect, unbalanced, and irresponsible” reports. It argued that such coverage falsely accuses the institution of imposing arbitrary fees or targeting Eritrean nationals. “These accusations are baseless and do not reflect the realities of our operations,” the service stated.
The ICS urged all foreign nationals residing in Ethiopia to regularize their legal status. “Despite repeated calls, very few have registered or entered the legal system,” it said.
The statement from the ICS follows reports from Eritrean nationals residing in Ethiopia, who have said they were asked to pay up to $4,000 for exit visas to travel to other countries. These individuals have raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the fees.
A previous BBC report alleged that Eritrean residents in Ethiopia’s capital have reported widespread arrests among their community, sparking fear among refugees and asylum seekers who fled their homes in search of a better life
