NewOther

A Directive on the Registration and Administration of Foreign Organizations Directive No. 986/2024

Authority for Civil Society Organizations986/2024

Summary

This directive outlines the procedures and requirements for the registration and administration of foreign organizations operating in Ethiopia. It details the application process, required documents, fees, operational guidelines, and restrictions. The primary aim is to facilitate the registration of foreign organizations, protect their rights, and define their legal obligations within the Ethiopian legal framework.

Who's affected

Foreign non-governmental organizations seeking to register and operate in Ethiopia, as well as local partners and government bodies interacting with them.

Action required

Foreign organizations must gather the specified documents and follow the application procedures outlined in the directive to register and operate legally in Ethiopia.

Key points

8
  • Directive No. 986/2024 governs the registration and administration of foreign organizations in Ethiopia.
  • Specific documentation is required for registration, including proof of foreign establishment, articles of association, and a work plan.
  • A registration fee of 500 USD is mandated.
    • Show 5 more
    • Restrictions are placed on foreign organizations' involvement in political activities.
    • Strict rules apply to bank account management and the use of funds.
    • Foreign organizations must respect Ethiopian laws and national interests.
    • Procedures for the employment of foreign nationals and the transfer of assets upon liquidation are detailed.
    • Cooperation with the Authority for monitoring and control is required.

Requirements

12
  • Submit a completed application form with supporting documents.
  • Documents required include: decision from the organization's superior body, proof of establishment under foreign law, articles of association, letter of support from country of origin, power of attorney for local representative, work plan, identification documents for local representative, organization's name and logo, purpose and field of work, place of work, domestic address.
  • Pay a registration fee of 500 USD.
    • Show 9 more
    • Foreign organizations must operate according to their registered name, type of work, and region.
    • Submit annual project performance reports and work plans.
    • Foreign organizations must respect Ethiopian laws, national interests, and the rights of citizens and local organizations.
    • Financial sources must be legal and from outside Ethiopia, or interest from Ethiopian bank deposits, or legally obtained money from Ethiopia.
    • Accounts must be audited by an external auditor annually.
    • Foreign nationals employed by foreign organizations must have valid work permits and adhere to Ethiopian labor and immigration laws.
    • Foreign organizations must obtain prior permission from the Authority to open bank accounts.
    • Foreign organizations must coordinate with local civil society organizations and government entities.
    • Foreign organizations must sign project agreements with relevant government institutions and inform the Authority.

Rights and permissions

7
  • Foreign organizations have the freedom to engage in legal activities in terms of management, finance, and administration to achieve their objectives.
  • Foreign organizations are encouraged to work in partnership with local and government organizations to build capacity.
  • Foreign organizations have the right to have their legal rights and interests protected.
    • Show 4 more
    • Foreign organizations are entitled to tax exemptions as provided by law.
    • Foreign organizations receive support from the Authority to achieve their objectives.
    • Foreign organizations receive cooperation from the Authority for their tax exemption rights and other benefits.
    • Foreign organizations receive cooperation letters from the Authority to obtain visas and residence permits for foreign volunteers.

Restrictions

7
  • Foreign organizations and organizations established by foreign nationals cannot lobby or exert influence on political parties, engage in voter education, or election observation, unless expressly permitted by law or invited by the government.
  • Foreign organizations cannot change or open additional bank accounts or manage funds outside the registered bank accounts without the Authority's approval.
  • Foreign currency bank accounts must not be mixed with domestic funds.
    • Show 4 more
    • Foreign organizations cannot use funds other than those specified in the directive.
    • A foreign organization that has submitted a falsified or forged document for registration cannot submit a new application unless it proves it was not its fault.
    • Foreign organizations cannot employ individuals who have lost their rights by law, have a criminal record, were representatives of deregistered organizations, or are prohibited by law.
    • The service period for foreign volunteers cannot exceed one year unless approved by the Authority.

Penalties

2
  • Applications for registration may be rejected if requirements are not met, if the purpose is contrary to law or public morals, if the name is unacceptable, or if forged documents are submitted.
  • If an applicant refuses to make corrections after notification, the registration application shall be rejected.

Objectives

5
  • To facilitate the registration of foreign organizations in Ethiopia.
  • To protect the legal rights and interests of registered foreign organizations.
  • To determine the legal obligations of foreign organizations operating in Ethiopia.
    • Show 2 more
    • To ensure foreign organizations operate in partnership with local organizations and contribute to national development.
    • To regulate the financial management and operations of foreign organizations.

Organizations

6
  • Authority for Civil Society Organizations
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    • Show 3 more
    • Banks in Ethiopia
    • Ethiopian Government Institutions
    • Local Civil Society Organizations

Legal references

5
  • Civil Society Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2019
  • Regulation of the Council of Ministers
  • Electronic Signature Proclamation No. 1072/2018
    • Show 2 more
    • Proclamation No. 1263/2014
    • Elections, Registration of Political Parties and Election Ethics Proclamation No. 1162/2019
Original sourcehttps://justice.gov.et/en/directives/a-directive-on-the-registration-and-administration-of-foreign-organizations-directive-no-986-2024/
View source