Ethiopia is planning to issue digital ID to refugees, in what could be the first program of its kind to ease access to government services and benefits, The Ethiopian Herald reports.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the National Identification Program Office, the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and the United Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) stipulates the provision of Ethiopia’s national digital ID, Fayda, to refugees and returnees in the country.
Fayda has been expanding steadily, becoming the main credential for public servants and the official ID for students in September.
RRS Director-General Teyiba Hassan says the goal is to improve the living conditions of the many refugees and returnees sheltering in Ethiopia, and that it reflects the country’s strong relations with its neighbors.
Source : Biometric