Ethiopia’s borders are under siege, and the numbers are staggering. Over 3,400 foreign nationals have been arrested in just three months for attempting to enter the country illegally, according to a recent report by the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS). But here’s where it gets even more eye-opening: this isn’t just about unauthorized entry. The report also reveals that more than 1,500 Ethiopian citizens were detained for trying to leave the country unlawfully or overstaying their visas, and a staggering 10,900 Ethiopians were arrested for attempting to migrate through irregular channels. These figures paint a complex picture of migration challenges that go far beyond what meets the eye.
ICS Director General Selamawit Dawit presented these findings to the House of People’s Representatives as part of the institution’s quarterly performance report. The data highlights a sharp increase in both illegal entry and exit attempts, raising questions about the effectiveness of border control measures and the growing influence of smuggling networks. For instance, many of the arrested foreign nationals were found using fraudulent documents or attempting to bypass visa requirements, while Ethiopian citizens were often caught relying on unsafe migration routes, underscoring the desperation driving these actions.
And this is the part most people miss: the ICS isn’t just about enforcement—it’s also a revenue generator. During the past quarter, the Service collected 10.5 billion birr, slightly below its 11 billion birr target. This financial aspect sparked debate among parliament members, who questioned whether the ICS had become too focused on revenue collection at the expense of its core responsibilities. But Selamawit was quick to clarify: “Revenue collection is an integral part of immigration services, both here and globally,” she explained. “Without it, we can’t modernize our systems or strengthen our capacity to address evolving security challenges.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: while many assume passport fees are the primary revenue source, Selamawit revealed that the majority of ICS income actually comes from visas and related services for foreign nationals. This counterintuitive fact challenges public perception and invites a closer look at how immigration services are funded. It also raises a thought-provoking question: Are we balancing enforcement and service delivery effectively, or is one overshadowing the other?
Despite the financial focus, Selamawit assured that the ICS remains committed to its primary mandate. She emphasized that the institution is not shifting priorities but rather ensuring efficient revenue collection to support its operations. Additionally, she highlighted a positive trend: over 545,000 Ethiopian citizens received passports in the past three months, a testament to increased demand and improved service delivery.
As Ethiopia grapples with these dual challenges of migration and revenue management, one thing is clear: the issue is far from black and white. What do you think? Is the ICS striking the right balance, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is too important to ignore.