Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia are facing 300-dollar monthly fines for visa extensions amid war and income shortages. Ethiopia has hosted over 100,000 Sudanese since the conflict erupted. Officials charge 100 dollars for extensions and impose 300-dollar penalties for overstays, worsening their humanitarian challenges.
Sudanese living in Ethiopia, displaced by war, are under severe financial strain from residency permits and visa extensions, on top of human rights and humanitarian challenges. Recent reports indicate Ethiopia has received over 100,000 Sudanese since the conflict began. Authorities demand 100 dollars for each monthly visa extension, plus a 300-dollar fine per month for overstaying.
The Sudanese Tribune describes the increase in monthly entry visas as a highly difficult and bitter step amid war, income loss, and asset depletion. With the war ongoing, this financial charge and fine has prompted calls for humanitarian decisions and urgent interventions. The Sudanese complain that the Sudanese embassy in Addis Ababa provides no adequate response to their issues. The embassy offers no reply to major problems, such as shortages of food and medicine, and its staff do not physically check on citizens' conditions. The Sudanese have urged the Ethiopian government to urgently consider refugees' situations and grant a one-month free visa grace period.