Last Change:
05/14/2025
Refugees Proclamation No.1110/2019
Year: 2019
Type: Domestic law
Rights Category: Asylum, Freedom of movement, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Family life, Documentation
Description
The Previous Refugee Proclamation, Proc. No. 409/2004 was repealed by the current Refugee Proclamation, Proc. No. 1110/2019 in Feb. 2019. The law was enacted with a view to have a legal framework that is in line with international standards and provides better protection to refugees and promotes sustainable solutions. The Refugee Proclamation recognizes a wide range of rights of refugees and asylum seekers including, inter alia, the right to work, access to documentation, freedom of movement, acquisition and transfer of property, local integration as well as access to education, health, justice and other socio-economic services.
Selected provisions
Without prejudice to provisions of applicable Customs laws regarding prohibited and restricted imports, asylum seekers shall be allowed to bring their assets and property to Ethiopia free of tariff at the time of their first admission to Ethiopia.
Without prejudice to provisions of applicable laws regarding prohibited and restricted exports, recognized refugees or asylum seekers, when leaving Ethiopia to their country of origin or third country, shall be allowed to take assets or property they brought to Ethiopia or have acquired in Ethiopia.
Every recognized refugee and asylum-seeker shall have the same right as nationals as regard to bringing any justiciable matter to, and to obtain a decision or judgment by, the court or any other competent body with judicial power.
Every recognized refugee or asylum-seeker shall be issued with identity paper attesting to his identity.
The preparation, validity and issuance of refugee travel documents as well as other relevant details thereto of recognized refugees and asylum- seekers shall be determined in accordance with applicable immigration laws as well as international instruments.
Every recognized refugee or asylum-seeker shall be entitled to a travel document for the purpose of travel outside Ethiopia up on written application to the Agency.
Recognized refugees and asylum-seekers shall not be subject to imposition of any duty, charge or tax, of any description whatsoever, higher than imposed on nationals in the same circumstances. (2) Without prejudice to the provision of sub-Article (1) of this Article, the Agency may provide, to recognized refugees and asylum seekers who are unable to pay the prescribed fee, with identity documents, travel documents, exit visas and similar services free of charge.
Recognized refugees and asylum-seekers shall not be subject to imposition of any duty, charge or tax, of any description whatsoever, higher than imposed on nationals in the same circumstances.
The Agency shall ensure that:
1/ recognized refugee and asylum-seeker women shall enjoy the rights and protections enshrined under relevant laws in particular, specific measures are taken to protect them from gender-based violence.
2/ recognized refugee and asylum-seeker children shall enjoy the rights and protections enshrined under relevant laws in particular; specific measures are taken to protect them from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking.
3/ special protection and assistance to other refugees and asylum-seekers with specific needs is provided commensurate with their needs.
1/Every recognized refugee and asylum-seeker shall cooperate with the Agency, provide relevant information in respect to their application for refugee status to the Agency when requested and respect the laws in force within Ethiopia.
2/Every recognized refugee and asylum-seeker shall respect the cultures of the people and refrain from practices repugnant to public morality. 3/ Every recognized refugee and asylum seeker shall have the duty to protect the environment.