Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Ethiopia
Do domestic laws and policies provide for derivative refugee status for accompanying family members of recognized refugees?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Domestic laws and policies in Ethiopia provide for derivative refugee status for accompanying family members of the principal applicant. According to article 15(5) of the Refugees Proclamation when a principal applicant applies for refugee status, the application is automatically considered as having been made on behalf of all members of the family, unless individual family members choose to submit separate applications. Additionally, Article 14(3) of the Refugee Proclamation reinforces the entitlement of family members of an asylum-seeker or recognized refugee to all the rights and duties of the refugee or asylum-seeker. This further supports the notion of derivative refugee status for accompanying family members.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Refugees Proclamation No.1110/2019
- Year: 2019
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Freedom of movement, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/decreees/natlegbod/2019/en/30352
Legal provision
Article 15(5) - Application for recognition of refugee status
An application for refugee status made in accordance with Sub-Article (1) of this Article is deemed to have been made on behalf of all members of the family of the applicant except where individual members of the family choose to submit behalf separate application. An unaccompanied or separated child may, individually, or through his guardian, lodge an application for refugee status.
Article 14(3) - Unity of the family
A family member of an asylum seeker or recognized refugee in Ethiopia shall be entitled to all the rights and be subject to the duties of the refugee or asylum-seeker. Article 14(3) of the Refugees Proclamation.