Ethiopia Detains 21 Over Alleged Illegal Passport Processing

Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service said it has detained 21 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal passport processing and brokerage activities, as authorities step up enforcement against irregular practices in the travel document system. The suspects are under investigation over allegations of facilitating unlawful passport applications and operating informal brokerage networks linked to the service.

Director General Selamawit Dawit told state-owned media that the agency has also continued to provide regular and expedited passport services, visa issuance and identity documentation for Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin, alongside border control operations at air and land entry points.

The announcement comes as the agency reports elevated demand for travel documents, with more than 1.1 million passports issued in the first nine months of the 2025/26 budget year. The service also said it has been working to strengthen border management while expanding access to documentation services, including visas and identity cards.

Authorities added that broader operational efforts are under way to improve oversight of the passport issuance system and curb illegal brokerage activities. The detentions are part of a wider crackdown on irregular practices that undermine the integrity of Ethiopia’s travel document system.

Businesses in travel, tourism and logistics sectors that rely on efficient passport services are expected to benefit from improved oversight and reduced illegal brokerage activities.

Overall, the detention of 21 individuals suspected of illegal passport processing highlights the Ethiopian government’s commitment to strengthening the integrity and efficiency of its immigration and citizenship services.

Ethiopia Detains 21 Over Alleged Illegal Passport Processing

Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service said it has detained 21 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal passport processing and brokerage activities. The suspects are under investigation over allegations of facilitating unlawful passport applications and operating informal brokerage networks.

Director General Selamawit Dawit told state-owned media that the agency has continued to provide regular and expedited passport services, visa issuance and identity documentation, alongside border control operations.

The announcement comes as the agency reports elevated demand for travel documents, with more than 1.1 million passports issued in the first nine months of the 2025/26 budget year.

The service has been working to strengthen border management while expanding access to documentation services. Authorities added that broader operational efforts are under way to improve oversight of the passport issuance system and curb illegal brokerage activities.

The detentions are part of a wider crackdown on irregular practices that undermine the integrity of Ethiopia’s travel document system.

Businesses in travel, tourism and logistics sectors that rely on efficient passport services are expected to benefit from improved oversight.

Overall, the detention of 21 individuals suspected of illegal passport processing highlights the Ethiopian government’s commitment to strengthening the integrity and efficiency of its immigration and citizenship services.