ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that over 2250 Ethiopian illegal migrants detained in Saudi Arabia would return home today. Over 28,000 Africans have already accessed Visa on Arrival since the country introduced the service, according to the Ministry.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Meles Alem in his regular press briefing told journalist that the government has finalized its preparation to repatriate Ethiopian nationals residing in the Gulf Nation without residence and work permits.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines, Emigration bureau to facilitate the safe return of migrants. It is part of the government’s efforts to bring Ethiopian migrants home safely, according to him.
Saudi also agreed and paid around one million six hundred thousand birr for migrants whose salary has not been paid by their employers.
The Ministry is working to protect the rights and dignity of Ethiopian nationals which were living abroad. So far around 1800 citizens have been repatriated and around 2250 are due to arrive today.
In addition, the country also issued passports for over 40,000 Ethiopians who were living overseas as refugees.Citizens, who had discarded Ethiopian passports to be documented in foreign countries, have been provided with Ethiopian passport by amending Immigration and Nationality Directive.
The spokesperson said 1000 Ethiopians who had been identified as citizens of another country and were not identified in the country have been granted Identification Card (ID).
The number of people visiting the country is increasing following introduction of visa on arrival services. Since November 9, 2018, over 28,000 Africans have already accessed Visa on Arrival.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working closely with various stakeholders to look at Ethiopia as their country as well as to see Ethiopia as their political and diplomatic destination and starting According to the statement.
Permanent ID card has also been granted for foreign nationals living in Ethiopia. Accordingly, 688 and 99 followers of Bete Isarel and Ras Teferi religions respectively were among those granted the card. E–Visa service which is given by our embassies since 2017 also providing easing the inconveniences customers facing and 111,000 people have already benefited from the service.
Herald December 14/2018
BY HAILE DEMEKE
