Description

The Proclamation, as per article 31, puts an obligation on advocates to provide pro bono service. It also states, under article 14, that a special advocacy license may be granted to a person or organization that provides pro bono advocacy services to protect the public interest and rights; or law instructors and law Schools of Higher Education Institutions who provide pro bono advocacy services to individuals and sections of society who lack financial means to pay for such service. According to article 30 (2) of the Refugee Proclamation, refugees may have access to legal counselling or assistance as provided in accordance with the laws of Ethiopia. The 2019 Refugees Proclamation, under article 26, provides that refugees shall receive the most favorable treatment as accorded to foreign nationals regarding the right to liberal professions. Ethiopian federal legislation allows a foreigner to be employed in Ethiopia on condition that they acquire work permit which issued by Ministry of Labor Social Affairs (MOLSA). Specific professional regulations in Ethiopia do not bar foreign nationals from practicing liberal professions except few items of legislation such as the Federal Courts Advocates Licensing and Registration Proclamation.