Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday paid a working visit to the headquarters of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) in Mogadishu, where he was briefed on the ongoing institutional reforms aimed at modernizing Somalia’s immigration systems and improving public service delivery.
Accompanied by the Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Fartaag, and the Agency’s Director, Mustafa Duhulow, the President toured several departments and interacted with staff involved in passport issuance, border control, and identity management. The visit underscored his administration’s focus on strengthening national institutions as part of Somalia’s broader state-building agenda.
Fartaag presented a detailed update on the ongoing transformation of the agency, highlighting progress in digitizing services, improving accountability, and expanding access to immigration services across the country. He said the reforms were designed to ensure transparency, enhance security, and build public confidence in government systems.
Director Duhulow echoed those remarks, noting that the agency had made “significant strides” in adopting new technologies and improving efficiency. He emphasized that efforts were underway to integrate border management systems and improve coordination with law enforcement to strengthen Somalia’s security architecture.
President Mohamud commended the leadership and staff of ICA for their dedication, describing their work as “vital to the sovereignty and security of the Somali state.” He urged them to maintain professionalism and continue delivering services that reflect the government’s commitment to reform and citizen trust.
The visit came at a time when Somalia is pushing forward with major institutional transformations across key government sectors. The modernization of immigration and citizenship services is viewed as a cornerstone of those efforts—critical not only for national security but also for facilitating travel, investment, and international cooperation.
President Mohamud reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build strong, transparent, and service-oriented institutions, saying, “Somalis deserve efficient systems that work for the people, not against them.”
His words resonated with staff who have witnessed firsthand the gradual shift toward modernization within the agency.
As Somalia continues its journey toward stability and digital governance, the reforms at ICA stand as a symbol of what is possible when leadership, technology, and accountability align toward a common goal: restoring trust in public institutions and strengthening the nation’s identity in a changing world.