Ethiopian Embassy Renews Call for Saudi Amnesty for Ethiopians

The Ethiopian Embassy in Riyadh has renewed its request for Saudi Arabia to grant an amnesty to Ethiopians facing residency and immigration difficulties, saying it is still awaiting a response from Saudi authorities.

The embassy said it had repeatedly asked the Saudi government to open an amnesty, known locally as “Mihretii” or “Talab”, to allow Ethiopians to regularise their residency permits, known as iqama, or return to Ethiopia.

The embassy stressed that it does not have the authority to grant an amnesty, saying the decision rests solely with the Saudi government. It said it was continuing to follow up on its requests.

The appeal comes after Ethiopians in Riyadh and surrounding areas repeatedly called on the embassy, both through social media and in person, for an amnesty to be opened.

The embassy urged Ethiopians to take advantage of the opportunity if Saudi authorities grant the requested amnesty, particularly those seeking to regularise their status or return home.

It also advised Ethiopians who entered Saudi Arabia under employment contracts to remain in legal employment and protect their rights, warning them against abandoning their workplaces and exposing themselves to further difficulties.

The embassy said it is working with Ethiopian community associations in Riyadh to address problems faced by Ethiopian nationals and protect their rights and interests as part of its citizen-focused diplomatic approach.

Source: FSX Business News