Mogadishu, Somalia — The Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia (ICA) hosted a high-level Finnish delegation from the Immigration Service (FIS) in Mogadishu from October 27 to 29, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation on border management, migration governance, and law enforcement coordination.
The Finnish team, led by Director General of the Finnish Immigration Service, held a series of meetings with senior Somali officials to discuss practical ways of improving information sharing, capacity development, and the use of technology in managing Somalia’s borders. The discussions also explored strategies to address irregular migration, enhance identity verification systems, and streamline visa and residency processes.
ICA Commissioner Mustaf Adan Dhuhulow described the talks as “constructive and forward-looking,” emphasizing that effective border management is vital not only for national security but also for facilitating safe and orderly migration.
During the three-day visit, the delegation toured ICA facilities in Mogadishu and met with law enforcement and security agencies to assess existing mechanisms for cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building sustainable institutional links between Somali and Finnish authorities, with a shared focus on strengthening Somalia’s border governance frameworks in line with international standards.
The collaboration builds on Somalia’s broader national reforms in migration and security governance, aimed at ensuring that border management supports peace, development, and mobility.
The visit concluded with a mutual pledge to continue technical exchanges and explore joint projects in capacity building and digital transformation of immigration systems — a move officials say will help Somalia better secure its borders and protect the rights of travelers and migrants alike.