Mogadishu - The Federal Government of Somalia has officially announced that, starting September 1, 2025, “all Somali citizens seeking a passport will be required to present a national identity card as a prerequisite.”
This step comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the accuracy and security of citizen data and modernize civil registration and identity systems in Somalia.
This announcement came during a joint coordination meeting held at the Immigration and Citizenship Authority headquarters. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Internal Security, Mr. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag, and included senior officials from both the Authority and the National Identity and Registration Authority, The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Omar Balad, the Director General of the Immigration Authority, Mr. Mustafa Sheikh Ali Tahloo, and the Director General of the National Authority for Identity and Registration, Mr. Abdul Wali Ali Abdullah Tamadi, along with senior advisors and technical officials.
Officials during the meeting emphasized that integrating national identity into the passport issuance process is a crucial step in ensuring the verifiability, reliability, and security of Somali citizens' data. This decision also aims to enhance the international credibility of Somali travel documents.
The government has also set January 1, 2026, as the date for requiring all domestic travelers within Somalia to carry a national ID to verify their identity. This policy is expected to enhance internal security and facilitate smooth internal movement.
Government officials emphasized that in the lead-up to these changes, the Immigration, Passports, and Residence Department will work closely to coordinate their data systems, train relevant staff, and launch extensive public awareness campaigns to ensure a smooth transition. They reiterated that cooperation between the two institutions will be essential in building a transparent, reliable, and efficient identity verification system for all Somali citizens.
These changes are part of the Federal Government's long-term vision to create a modern and secure digital identity infrastructure, with the aim of improving public service delivery and aligning Somalia with international standards in identity management and border control.
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