Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali government has launched its most ambitious immigration reform since independence in 1960, introducing a new e-visa system and digital passports aimed at modernizing travel documentation and tightening national security.
The reforms, announced by the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (SICA), mark a historic shift from paper-based procedures to fully digital systems. Director-General Mustafa Duhulow said the initiative is designed not only to streamline services for citizens and visitors but also to block the movement of terrorists into or out of the country.
“By moving immigration processes into the digital age, Somalia will have greater control over who enters and leaves the country,” Duhulow explained. He noted that the integrated platform will allow security agencies to cross-check applications with international databases, making it harder for extremists and other high-risk individuals to evade detection.
The e-visa system will enable applicants to submit their information online, cutting down lengthy bureaucratic delays and reducing opportunities for corruption. Meanwhile, the digital passport—embedded with biometric data—will replace the current machine-readable version, aligning Somalia with international aviation and border control standards.
Officials say the overhaul also seeks to restore confidence among Somali travelers and foreign investors who have long faced hurdles due to outdated documentation. Neighboring states and international partners are expected to benefit from easier verification and improved regional cooperation on border management.
The government emphasized that while the changes are central to counter-terrorism, they also symbolize Somalia’s broader push to embrace technology and project a modern, secure image.
The phased rollout of the new system will be accompanied by public awareness campaigns to guide citizens through the transition.