Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025: In a significant diplomatic achievement, the Embassy of Pakistan in Addis Ababa has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 29 Pakistani nationals who had been detained by local authorities in March 2025 for violating immigration laws and engaging in unauthorized employment.
In an unprecedented humanitarian gesture, the Government of Ethiopia agreed to waive the substantial fines levied on the detainees—amounting to several thousand U.S. dollars per individual. This development not only ensured the safe and dignified return of the Pakistani nationals but also underscored the growing goodwill and strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
The Pakistani Embassy remained actively engaged with Ethiopian authorities at the highest level to resolve the issue. Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia held a series of meetings with key officials, including Dr. Dema Negwo, Chairperson of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs; the Director General of Consular Affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Director General of Ethiopian Immigration; and Ms. Abibatou Wane-Fall, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ethiopia.
These diplomatic efforts bore fruit when the fines were officially waived and repatriation arrangements were finalized. Of the 29 individuals, 17 departed Addis Ababa for Karachi on Friday, July 25, while the remaining 12 left on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The Embassy of Pakistan expressed its profound appreciation to the Ethiopian Government and IOM for their support in facilitating the amicable resolution of the matter and ensuring the well-being of Pakistani citizens.
