Refugees in Ethiopia are issued identification cards, different certificates and documents through the ARRA(Administration for Refugee-Returnee Affairs) office in Collaboration with the UNHCR (United nations Higher commissioner for refugees). Unfortunately, the services provided have been halted since the November 23, 2021 with neither a notice before closure nor a possible date of resumption. 

          This abrupt action has caused many refugees from being deprived of basic identification documents which in the current situation in Ethiopia can mean the risk of being jailed for suspicions of being a rebel. Other refugees have had to delay or completely cancel legal immigration plans as they have no access to documents and/or visas. 

        This issue is feared to be fueling a surge in illegal migration and human trafficking as many refugees resort to such things when legal corridors aren't available. It needs to be underlined that most of these refugees are women and children. So we are kindly asking the UNHCR to provide a solution for these refugees as soon as possible.