(Proclamation No. 632/2001), National Refugee law (Proclamation 409/2004) form part of the
domestic legislations on freedom of movement and the right of abode in Ethiopia.
In pursuance of the freedom movement, all Ethiopians can obtain ordinary passport up on request.
Moreover, the government issues visas to all foreigners in accordance with the Regulation, the nonexistence of conditions warranting refusal as provided under the law. Ethiopian Embassies and
Consular Posts abroad issue visas in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and directives
issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Any foreigner who wants to enter into Ethiopia shall
possess: - a valid travel document; a valid entry visa or a valid permanent residence permit or an
identity card issued by the Ministry under the applicable laws. An entry visa may be denied or
canceled if the applicant or the holder: - has no visible means of support or is likely to become a
public burden; is found to be a notorious criminal; has been declared to be a drug addict; has been
suspected of suffering from a dangerous contagious disease; has been found to be a threat to the
security of Ethiopia; has furnished fraudulent information; or has violated the applicable law.
The Civil Code provides that every person is free to establish his residence wherever it is suitable for
him and to change the place of such residence. The Criminal Code provides that whoever, not being
authorized by law so to do, prevents another from moving freely within the territory of Ethiopia
shall be punished with simple imprisonment or a fine. A person commits a fault where, without due
legal authority, he interferes with the liberty of another person, even for a short time, and prevents
him from moving about as he/she is entitled to. In such a case, a fault shall be deemed to have been
committed notwithstanding that no injury is done to the plaintiff. It shall be sufficient for the
plaintiff to have been compelled to behave in a certain manner by the threat of a danger of which he
could not be aware.
The Revised Family Law stipulates that spouses should jointly decide their common residence. The
law empowers women to decide on the common residence with their spouse. The spouses may
agree to live separately for a definite or indefinite period of time.
Administrative Measures
The immigration and nationality affairs department issues passport to all Ethiopians. The
department is tasked with the administration and management of immigration matters. The
Department ascertains that foreign nationals, before entering to Ethiopia, possess a valid travel
document, properly issued visa or permanent resident permit, an internationally valid health
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