Politics

Ethiopia's Immigration Service Achieves Tenfold Revenue Increase Through Reforms

Addis Insight · 3 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on Addis Insight
Ethiopia's Immigration Service Achieves Tenfold Revenue Increase Through Reforms
AI SUMMARY

The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service has increased its annual revenue tenfold by introducing expedited services, digital payments, and foreign currency visa options.

  • The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) grew its annual revenue from 4.3 billion Birr in the 2022/23 fiscal year to 42.7 billion Birr in 2025/26.
  • The 1,000% revenue increase is primarily attributed to the introduction of tiered, expedited service packages that process passports and documents in half-day, two-day, or five-day windows.
  • A targeted focus on streamlining visa services paid for in foreign currency significantly boosted the institution's financial reserves.
  • The ICS implemented a secure digital payment system to eliminate financial leakages and loopholes.
  • The revenue spike has enabled the agency to fund its own infrastructure and expansion projects, transitioning away from dependency on the federal treasury.