Ethiopia Offers Temporary Overstay Penalty Relief for Ethiopian-Origin U.S. Citizens
The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service has announced a temporary administrative amendment that reduces immigration overstay penalties for Ethiopian-origin U.S. citizens currently residing in the country without valid status.
In a notice issued on March 16, the agency said the decision came after repeated requests from individuals who had exceeded their legally permitted period of stay and accumulated fines under Ethiopian immigration regulations. Many of them appealed for relief, citing financial hardship and asking for a chance to regularize their status and travel legally.
Under the new measure, penalties for minors under the age of 18 will be fully waived. The service said minors will be processed directly into the legal visa system without paying any overstay fines.
For adults aged 18 and above, the government will waive half of the accumulated penalty. Individuals will be required to pay the remaining half in order to enter the visa regularization process and restore their legal status.
The immigration authority described the move as a limited administrative adjustment aimed at helping affected individuals comply with national immigration laws while ensuring that foreign nationals maintain lawful status during their stay in Ethiopia.
Officials emphasized that the measure is a one time opportunity intended to allow people to resolve their status.
Eligible individuals are required to report in person to the headquarters of the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa between March 24 and May 23, 2026. During this 60 day window, applicants must complete the necessary documentation and begin the formal visa process.
The agency warned that once the deadline passes, cases of visa overstay will be handled strictly in accordance with Ethiopia’s immigration laws and regulations.
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