(25 October 2011, The Africa Report)--Ethiopia is set to introduce a new law barring foreigners from practising as lawyers, which critics say is targeted at professionals with dual citizenship.
The proposed ban has generated public debate in the past two months amid reports that a number of Ethiopians with foreign passports have been trying to get licenses to practice law without success.
The Ministry of Justice has been refusing to issue lawyers with dual citizenship with practicing citing the Federal Courts Advocates Licensing and Registration law passed in 2000. "Right of legal advocacy is not open for everyone," the ministry said.
The new bill titled "Advocacy Licence & Administration Proclamation," specifically requires an advocate to be an Ethiopian national.
If approved by Parliament, the bill will repeal the Federal Courts Advocates Licensing and Registration law.
Those who have worked as judges, public prosecutors or investigating police officers can apply for a license two years after they have left their position, according to the bill.
The bill also raises the minimum experience requirement to apply for a licence for the first time from a two year to a five year minimum, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Ethiopia already bars foreigners from working in the banking, insurance and other sectors. Foreigners are also barred from buying houses.
Source: The Africa Report
The Ministry of Justice has been refusing to issue lawyers with dual citizenship with practicing citing the Federal Courts Advocates Licensing and Registration law passed in 2000. "Right of legal advocacy is not open for everyone," the ministry said.
The new bill titled "Advocacy Licence & Administration Proclamation," specifically requires an advocate to be an Ethiopian national.
If approved by Parliament, the bill will repeal the Federal Courts Advocates Licensing and Registration law.
Those who have worked as judges, public prosecutors or investigating police officers can apply for a license two years after they have left their position, according to the bill.
The bill also raises the minimum experience requirement to apply for a licence for the first time from a two year to a five year minimum, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Ethiopia already bars foreigners from working in the banking, insurance and other sectors. Foreigners are also barred from buying houses.
Source: The Africa Report
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