Guidance

Returning to Ethiopia (English, accessible)

Published 5 December 2025

What assistance is provided?

Pre-departure information

Returning individuals can contact IRARA to discuss reintegration options in Ethiopia.

Short-term assistance

  • Airport reception (upon request)

  • Accommodation for up to five nights

  • Transportation to an address in-country

  • Care and food provision packs

  • Small cash assistance for immediate needs.

Medium-term assistance

  • Assistance with finding and reuniting with family

  • Support with in-country documentation

  • Signposting to local services

  • Mental wellbeing and counselling (if required)

Long-term assistance

Access to a Returnee Education and Entrepreneurship Fund for:

  • Support with accessing the local job market

  • Support with setting up a business

  • Support with accessing vocational training or further education

  • Assistance with legal migration opportunities

Who can get support?

If you are an Ethiopian national who has returned, or will be returned from the United Kingdom, IRARA can help you rebuild your life in Ethiopia.

This support is available for up to 12 months following your return to Ethiopia.

How to access support?

If you are currently in the UK, contact the UK IRARA office using the details below.

If you have already returned to Ethiopia, please contact the PAD office in Addis Ababa using the details below.

About the programme

The Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme assists the return and reintegration of people in the United Kingdom with no legal status or right to remain.

The programme offers a wide range of services, providing assistance on arrival and longer-term support for persons returning to Ethiopia.

About IRARA and PAD

IRARA collaborates with Positive Action for Development (PAD) for the delivery of the Home Office Reintegration Programme in Ethiopia.

PAD strives to deliver social justice, improve the livelihoods of citizens and drive social and economic growth across Ethiopia. Together IRARA and PAD provide expert and long-term reintegration support tailored to individual’s needs

Contact information in Ethiopia

PAD
PAD Lemi Kura Sub City Woreda 13 House no. B005
Around CMC Square, 500 metres from Menabert Real Estate ,
P.O.Box 26867/1000,
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Email: reintegration@irara.org

Telephone:

  • +251-902 49 65 99
  • +251-924 26 06 32
  • +251-953 10 02 20 (out of hours)

IRARA in the UK

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

Telephone: +44 (0 )1433 627 247

Email: reintegration@irara.org