Mogadishu, Somalia – The Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), Mohamed Aden Duhulow, has signed a set of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at significantly improving the agency’s service delivery, particularly in passport processing.
Under the newly implemented procedures, the time required to process passports has been substantially reduced. New passport applications will now be completed within 7 days, down from the previous 15-day timeframe. Renewals will be processed within just 4 days, a notable improvement from the previous 10-day standard.
Duhulow emphasized that the reforms are part of ICA’s broader digital transformation agenda and commitment to enhancing efficiency, transparency, and public trust.
“This is a major step toward delivering faster, more accountable, and citizen-centered services,” he said during the signing ceremony held at ICA headquarters in Mogadishu.
The updated SOPs also include internal accountability measures to ensure timely delivery and to monitor compliance among ICA personnel. These improvements are expected to reduce delays, combat corruption, and align the agency’s operations with international best practices in immigration services.
The changes come amid a growing demand for travel documents, as thousands of Somalis at home and abroad seek streamlined processes for identification and mobility.
ICA Somalia has recently undergone structural reforms and capacity-building programs supported by both federal institutions and international partners. The latest announcement marks another milestone in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public institutions.
The agency has encouraged citizens to utilize its official channels for passport applications and renewals and assured the public of continued improvements in the coming months.