Mogadishu, Somalia – The Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, announced today that Somalia will begin a new phase of integrating passports with the National Identification system. Speaking at a joint training session organized by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and ICA, he outlined key timelines for the reforms.
According to DG Dhuhulow, starting in September 2025, all new passports issued in Somalia will be directly linked to the National ID database, a move designed to strengthen identity verification and enhance national security. He stressed that the reform is not only a technological milestone but also a step toward aligning Somalia’s identification system with international standards.
“By linking passports to the National ID, we are closing loopholes that previously allowed multiple or fraudulent identities,” Dhuhulow stated. “This system will ensure accountability, transparency, and credibility in travel documentation.”
He further revealed that beginning in January 2026, the use of the National ID will become mandatory for internal travel across Somalia. Passengers on domestic flights and inter-regional transport routes will be required to present their National ID to board, a policy intended to improve security screening and regulate mobility within the country.
The ICA and NIRA are currently training staff to handle the transition, focusing on harmonizing databases, upgrading technology, and educating the public about compliance. Officials emphasized that the program will also support financial inclusion, digital services, and governance reforms by strengthening the role of the National ID as the primary means of identification.
The Somali government launched the National Identification Program last year as part of its wider modernization agenda, with support from international partners. The initiative is seen as essential for enhancing security, reducing fraud, and facilitating access to essential services.
Authorities are urging citizens who have not yet registered for the National ID to do so immediately to avoid disruptions in obtaining passports or traveling domestically once the new rules take effect.
