To apply for asylum in Ethiopia, you must register with the government (RRS) and go through the asylum process.
According to the Ethiopian Refugee Law, a person seeking asylum in the territory of the country shall, within thirty (30) days, apply in person to the nearest Refugees and Returnees Services office, immigration office or police station.
The Agency may permit a person to submit their application for refugee status through another person if they are unable to do so themselves due to circumstances beyond their control.
Can I apply for refugee status in Ethiopia?
Yes, you may apply for asylum in Ethiopia if you have left your country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution on account of your race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, and if you are unable or unwilling to avail yourself of the protection of your country.
The first step to seeking international protection (asylum) in Ethiopia is to register with the government (RRS) or UNHCR.
During Registration, the RRS and UNHCR will record basic information about you, such as:
- Your bio data (name, sex, age, family composition)
- Reasons why you left your country
- Your biometrics for identification purposes (photo, Iris and fingerprints)
Why is Registration important?
Registration of asylum seekers is the first step in seeking international protection after crossing the border into Ethiopia. Through the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and UNHCR, registration provides legal recognition and protection under international law, safeguarding you from deportation or refoulement to countries where you may face persecution. It also grants access to essential services, including food, shelter, healthcare, and legal assistance, while helping the government monitor individuals for safety and prevent exploitation.
Why do I need to be registered?
Being registered as an asylum seeker or refugee in Ethiopia provides legal recognition and protection. This status helps safeguard refugees and asylum seekers from the risk of deportation to their home country, where they could face serious threats to safety, such as arrest, detention, or other dangers arising from lack of documentation.
Only after you are registered is your asylum application for refugee status considered by the government of Ethiopia and UNHCR and starts being processed.
It is also through registration that UNHCR can identify if you are a person who needs additional support or assistance and refer you to the appropriate services.
