Immigration and Citizenship Service Reports Over 34 Billion Birr in Annual Revenue













15 Newly Opened Branches to Begin Operations Next Year

August 9, 2017 (Ahadu Radio) — The Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS), which has been undergoing extensive reforms for the past four years to address long-standing service complaints, has announced that it generated 34.1 billion birr in revenue during the recently completed fiscal year.

Reform Efforts and Service Expansion

Director General Salamyat Dawit highlighted that the reforms are aimed at delivering services in a “hands-free” and streamlined manner, reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency.

“In addition to Addis Ababa, we are expanding our service provision to regional areas,” she said, emphasizing that the goal is for citizens to access services at the nearest branch office without unnecessary travel costs or delays.

The expansion plan reflects the government’s push to decentralize public services, ensuring equitable access for both urban and rural populations.

Easier Passport Access and Anti-Broker Measures

According to Mulugeta Tadesse, Director of Passport Services, any Ethiopian citizen who possesses both a birth certificate and a digital ID can now obtain a passport without additional conditions.

However, he cautioned against dealing with illegal brokers, warning that many citizens are unknowingly engaging in unnecessary and costly activities by using unauthorized intermediaries.

“We urge the public to protect themselves from such practices,” he said, noting that the ICS provides both regular and emergency passport services through two official channels.

15 New Branches to Begin Operations

The ICS has already opened 15 new branch offices across the country, which are scheduled to become operational next year. These branches are strategically located in cities far from existing regional centers, making services accessible to previously underserved communities.

Mulugeta explained that this expansion is part of a long-term service accessibility strategy aimed at ensuring no citizen is left without convenient access to essential immigration services.

Challenges: Forged Documents and Illegal Service Access

Despite progress, the ICS continues to face challenges, particularly from individuals who forge birth certificates and other documents to illegally obtain services. The Director noted that the number of people attempting to bypass official procedures has been rising.

To address this, the institution is working closely with law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute offenders involved in fraudulent activities, including both document forgers and unauthorized service providers.