Representatives of Ethiopian Airline in London, England and the Ethiopian Community Centre in Washington, DC both stated that travelling out of Ethiopia in 1990 was problematic but were unable to provide specific information (6 Sept. 1994).

A representative of the Ethiopian Association of Toronto stated that many restrictions were imposed on Ethiopians leaving the country at the time (6 Sept.1994). According to this source, all Ethiopians required exit visas issued by the government. At the airport, a person had to go through three different security checks. The first check-point at the airport entrance, luggage would be searched for arms, hard currency, and/or items falling under the export ban such as animal skins. At the second check-point, passports and exit visas would be checked to ensure their validity and then a boarding pass would be issued. A third and final check-point confirmed that the person was not carrying arms, hard currency and banned items. The representative stated that depending on their social and political status, some individuals were subjected to body searches.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Ethiopian Airlines, London, U.K. 6 September 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Ethiopian Community Centre, Washington, DC. 6 September 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Ethiopian Association of Toronto, Toronto. 6 September 1994. Telephone interview with representative.