Ethiopian Jews, Rastafarians to receive Ethiopian IDs

Published: 27/Jul/2017
Source: Agence de Press Africaine

Members of the Ethiopian Jewish community, followers of Rastafarian beliefs and foreign nationals who have contributed to the welfare of the country can be issued Ethiopian national ID cards.

This was based on a new Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs directive, according to Meles Alem, spokesperson of the ministry.

The directive was prepared in partnership with the National Intelligence and Security Service, and is aimed at benefiting foreign nationals.

“It was prepared based on a proclamation which provides foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin with certain rights to be exercised in their country of origin,” Alem told journalists on Thursday.

The directive allows them to play their part in the country’s economic, public diplomacy and Pan Africanism activities, as well as to serve as cultural ambassadors.

The ID cards would enable them enter Ethiopia without entry visas and residence permits, he added.  “They could not participate in foreign affairs, security and defence sectors of the country,” he said.

Read full article: http://apanews.net/index.php/en/news/ethiopian-jews-rastafarians-to-receive-ethiopian-ids/

Themes: Discrimination, Ethnic/Racial/Religious, ID Documents and Passports
Regions: Ethiopia
Year: 2017