Ethiopia to complete issuance of Digital ID for refugees within year

Addis Ababa, April 8, 2024 (FBC) – The Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) has pledged to conclude issuance of digital identification to over 1.1 million refugees within a year.

Ethiopia hosted those refugees in 27 refugee camps, which makes the country continue to be one of the largest refugee-hosting nations in Africa, it was indicated.

This initiative launched by the Refugees and Returnees Service, National ID Program, and UNHCR a month ago aims to streamline government and private services for the over 1.1 million refugees in Ethiopia.

Refugees and Returnees Service, Deputy Director-General Biruhtesfa Mulugeta said the new refugee ID would allow refugees to access key services in Ethiopia.

The previous accessing services were obstructed by forged documents and a cumbersome paper-based system, it was indicated.

As a result, these digital IDs will create a secure and organized information system by eliminating these challenges, the deputy director-general explained.

Noting on the special  feature of the  digital ID which is not a national ID, Biruhtesfa clarified that  it  has  a unique identifier linked to our refugee management system, and will allow for efficient data sharing as well as  improved service delivery.

The concerted endeavors to expedite the issuance of the digital ID is part of the country’s longstanding commitment to the well-being of refugees, ensuring their safety and access to essential services, he elaborated.

According to him, Digital IDs will empower refugees to participate more fully in Ethiopian society, fostering both social and economic benefits.

Ethiopia has a long history of reputation in hosting refugees, following international law for over 40 years, ENA reported.