Return Window for Undocumented Foreigners in Djibouti Will Not Be Extended, Ethiopian Embassy Confirms
The Djiboutian authorities had previously announced a one-month grace period, from April 3 to May 2, 2025, during which undocumented foreign nationals are expected to voluntarily return to their countries. After this period, those who remain in the country without proper residency documents face forced deportation by law enforcement.
In a statement, the Ethiopian Embassy said it had held discussions with Djibouti’s Ministry of Interior, requesting a three-month extension to accommodate the large number of undocumented Ethiopians, help prevent school dropouts among children, allow traders time to liquidate their businesses, and ensure that workers receive unpaid wages. Despite these concerns, Djiboutian officials maintained that the timeline will remain unchanged and that no exceptions would be made.
The Ministry of Interior also warned that Ethiopian-owned businesses may be investigated if they are suspected of being illegally operated. Owners may be allowed to leave their businesses in the custody of trusted individuals while they work to regularize their status.
Employers in Djibouti have been urged to settle any outstanding wages owed to foreign workers, and the Embassy stated that the legal cases involving detained Ethiopians will be expedited based on documentation submitted to the Embassy.
Authorities in Djibouti also refuted circulating claims suggesting a policy change, labeling such information as false and misleading.
The Ethiopian Embassy emphasized that it will continue to provide updates on the return process in line with guidance from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ethiopians detained by the courts are encouraged to register with the Embassy and present relevant documents for review.