Addis Ababa, September 8, 2023 (FBC) – Refugees & Returnees Service of Ethiopia (RRS) and International Organization for Migration (IOM, also known as the UN Migration) have agreed to collaborate on capacity building to expedite issuance of exit permits to refugees.
Both sides expressed cooperation in a meeting that brought together the Refugees & Returnees Service – RRS Director General Teyiba Hassen with Abibatou Wane-Fall, the Chief of Mission to Ethiopia at IOM, to discuss pressing refugee matters in Ethiopia.
During the meeting, they agreed to collaborate closely on capacity-building initiatives aimed at expediting the process of issuing travel documents and exit permits for refugees. By streamlining these administrative procedures, a smoother transition can be ensured for those seeking safety and security beyond Ethiopia’s borders, it was indicated.
Additionally, both parties acknowledged the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation between RRS and IOM in effectively addressing the growing number of asylum seekers originating from the Laascaanood district and Sudan. It was also noted that these collaborations are vital, especially during times when there is an increased demand for support from individuals seeking refuge.
DG Teyiba gratefully expressed her appreciation to IOM for the effort in facilitating resettlement opportunities in third countries for refugees, aligning with the shared goal of finding durable and sustainable solutions for those in need.