Work permit for diplomat spouses?

2POSTS

13 years ago

Hello everyone,

My husband might get posted to Addis next summer as a diplomat, but we are not certain whether I am allowed to work or not. I have worked 12 years in Africa independently of my husband, mainly in the field of health promotion, family planning, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention, so my changes of finding a job with an international NGO or UN organisation would be quite good.

But I've heard that diplomat's spouses are not allowed to work? Do any of you have experience in this area or know any diplomat's spouse who has actually managed to obtain a work permit?

Does it make a difference if you're on a local or international contract?

Is volunteer work permitted?

Best,
Camilla

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camillabuch Member

2POSTS

13 years ago

Hi Aurélie,
Thanks for your greetings! I hope so too... otherwise, do you know where I can obtain this information?
Best,
Camilla

ade.rochmalia Active member

25POSTS

13 years ago

Hi Camilla,

Ethiopian gov't doesn't allowed diplomat's spouses to have paid and unpaid job

Boolander Member

3POSTS

13 years ago

I believe that it is not as simple as not being allowed.

Here's my understadning of it. If you travel as the spouse or partner of a diplomat then you cannot obtain a work permit after arriving here, and legally you are not allowed to engage in paid or unpaid work, although it is not unheard of that people do volunteer places unofficially.

You are able to get an independent work visa though which requires you to get a job offer from an organisation in Ethiopia. Once you are in Ethiopia you can apply to have your work visa extended to a work permit and residency card which then needs to be renewed on an annual basis.

To get a work visa, all you need is a stamped letter from an organisation that is offering you work. With your background I am sure you will have no trouble getting an organisation to support your work visa.
I hope this helps.

Berlin1973 Guest

0POSTS

13 years ago

ade.rochmalia wrote:
Hi Camilla,

Ethiopian gov't doesn't allowed diplomat's spouses to have paid and unpaid job

I don't think so. Because you are living at moment in Berlin please call or even better visit the Ethiopian embassy, consular section (Berlin-Lichterfelde), to experience the law.

The embassy's employees are absolutely nice and helpful.

Good luck.