Addis Ababa, June 11, 2002 (WIC)- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that identification cards and registration forms were now in place to implement the proclamation providing foreign nationals of Ethiopian Origin with certain rights to be exercised in their country of Origin.

Director of the Directorate for Affairs of Ethiopians Living in Foreign Countries, Ambassador Wubshet Demissie told Walta today that the foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin will soon become beneficiaries of the right to enter the country without visas and other economic and employment opportunities among others once the necessary documents were made available to Ethiopian embassies abroad.

The documents which were prepared by the Ministry and Security and Immigration Authority would be issued by the Authority for those applicants in Ethiopia while applicants in foreign countries would be served by Ethiopian Embassies and consular offices abroad.

He added that any applicant who fulfils the criteria set out in the proclamation could apply to secure the identification card entitling the eligible applicant to the benefits wherever he/she may be.

The Ambassador indicated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already established executive bodies at different levels in collaboration with regional governments and pertinent Federal offices to facilitate the implementation of the proclamation.

He indicated that addresses of contact persons at the executive offices at different levels have already been made available to foreign nationals of Ethiopian through Ethiopian Embassies and consular offices.

The Ambassador noted that proclamations, rules and regulations that are considered incompatible with the latest proclamation were now being amended at various federal and regional offices.

According to the proclamation, the children of the holder of the identification card of foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin who are under the age of 18 may not be required to have a separate identification card.