Work permit for diplomat spouses?

Member since 22 January 2013

camillabuchMember22 January 2013 10:14:52

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

See also

Let's Talk About Toilets - Guide
Where can I get pet import permit - 1 Reply
Working Online for US Company - 3 Replies
Help I'm lost lol looking for work - 12 Replies
Work in Ethiopia for accompanying spouses - 1 Reply
Ethiopian Visa Delay - 4 Replies
seeking bussiness visa sponsor. - 6 Replies

Aurélie ViP

Member since 02 May 2012

Follow Expat blog on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

AurélieViP22 January 2013 12:28:46

22735

Hello Camilla.

Welcome to Expat.com!

Hope other members will be able to help you.

Thank you,
Aurélie

camillabuch Member

Member since 22 January 2013

camillabuchMember23 January 2013 09:24:55

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

Member since 17 April 2012

ade.rochmaliaActive member25 January 2013 09:51:07

Hi Camilla,

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

Boolander Member

Member since 30 June 2012

BoolanderMember25 January 2013 10:26:40

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

Berlin1973Guest26 January 2013 16:42:02

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.