Ethiopia set to approve delayed draft Diaspora Proclamation

Addis Ababa, November 9, 2017 (FBC) – The delayed draft Diaspora Proclamation is expected to be approved soon, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The proclamation is aimed at protecting the rights and promoting benefits as well as improving the economic and political participation of the Diaspora communities.

Admitting the delay of the proclamation, Dr Aklilu Hailemichael, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, said “it will be approved soon.”

It was delayed because the consultations held with stakeholders to add experiences of other countries and improve the multifaceted participations of the Diaspora communities took more time, the State Minister said.

The Proclamation is consisted of the role of the Diaspora community in investment, tourism, trade, politics and image building.

The participation of Ethiopian Diaspora is increasing from time to time, Dr Aklilu said, citing the 4.6 billion US dollars Ethiopian Daspora sent home last year as a case in point.

They are also participating in technology transfer, education, agriculture and health sectors.

Ethiopians and Foreign Nationals of Ethiopian origin are currently engaged in various investment sectors with a combined capital of 7.6 billion birr in Addis Ababa alone.