Rights and Obligations

Asylum-seekers and refugees enjoy the same rights in Ethiopia.

  • Documentation: you can obtain an ID card after being registered by the RSS.
  • Non-Refoulement: You can stay in the country and not be sent back to a place where you’d face harm during and after the refugee status recognition process.
  • Right to Stay in Ethiopia: Asylum-seekers can stay in Ethiopia while the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) assesses their status. If unsuccessful, they can stay until the appeal process is completed.
  • Access to Telecommunication Services: Recognized refugees and asylum-seekers can access telecommunication services using identification documents issued by the RRS.
  • Bank Account: Refugees and asylum-seekers have the right to open a personal bank account, deposit, transfer or withdraw money and obtain other banking services following relevant Ethiopian financial laws using identification documents issued by RRS. (Identity paper, travel document, pass permit, proof of registration, birth certificate, or any similar documents that attest as to the identity of the bearer). 
  • Access to Justice: Refugees and asylum-seekers have the same rights as nationals seeking justice through the courts or other competent bodies, including regarding bringing any justiciable matter to, and obtaining a decision or judgment by, the court or any other competent body with judicial power. 
  • Access to Health Services: see the health section of this website for information.
  • Access to Education: see the education section of this website for details on educational opportunities.
  • Freedom of Movement: RRS may designate places or areas within which refugees and asylum-seekers may reside and facilitate their movement through the issuance of pass permits for instance.
  • Right to Work: Refugees have the right to engage in various economic activities, similar to Ethiopian nationals. Provision in Refugees Proclamation No. 1110/2019 covers the right to engage in wage-earning employment, self-employment, and liberal professions. It also provides for a joint project arrangement in which refugees and host communities may jointly engage in economic activities while refugees are treated in the same manner as Ethiopian nationals. 
  • Drivers Qualification Certification License: Recognized refugees or asylum-seekers with valid foreign driving licenses can apply for an equivalent drivers’ qualification certificate license.
  • Vital Events Registration: Refugees and asylum-seekers have equal rights to register and get certificates of vital events such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce as Ethiopian nationals.
  • Adherence to Laws: Follow all Ethiopian laws.
  • Collaboration with RRS: Work with the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and provide relevant information for the refugee status application.
  • Cultural Respect: Respect local cultures and avoid practices contrary to public morality.
  • Documentation Renewal: Renew identification documents as needed, in coordination with RRS and UNHCR.
  • Information Update: Inform RRS and UNHCR about changes in residence, phone number, and email, ensuring all information is current.
  • Stay During Asylum Procedure: Remain in the country throughout the asylum procedure.
  • Compliance with Decisions: Adhere to decisions made by RRS and the court regarding your status and right to stay in the country.

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