Garowe (KAAB TV) – The Puntland regional administration has strongly rejected a new online visa system introduced by the Federal Government of Somalia, calling it an unlawful encroachment on regional authority and a move that undermines the federal structure of the country.
The new system, launched this week by Somalia’s Immigration and Nationality Agency, allows foreign nationals to apply for entry visas via the internet before arriving in Somalia. The Federal Government has presented the initiative as a step forward in improving national security, streamlining immigration procedures, and increasing public revenue through centralized visa processing.
However, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mohamud Aydid Dirir, harshly criticized the move, accusing the central government in Mogadishu of attempting to impose control over regional territories without legal authority or prior consultation. He argued that immigration matters within Puntland fall under the jurisdiction of the regional administration, not the federal authorities.
“This is nothing short of an attempt to set up illegal checkpoints at the gates of Puntland,” said Minister Dirir in a press conference. “We strongly condemn the unilateral actions of the Federal Government of Somalia. Until a formal agreement is reached between the two sides, Mogadishu has no legal mandate to interfere with the management of airports or the issuance of visas in Puntland.”
The minister further accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of exploiting the new visa policy as a means to extract money from travelers under the guise of regulation.
“President Hassan Sheikh is more focused on collecting money and looting public resources than on fostering national unity,” Dirir stated. “We will not allow travelers arriving in Puntland to be subjected to what we view as extortion in the name of visa fees. Puntland will continue to manage its own ports of entry and visa procedures independently.”
In response to criticism, the Director General of Somalia’s Immigration and Nationality Agency, Mustafe Dhuxulow, defended the new system, emphasizing that the digital platform is designed to enhance national security by ensuring that every individual who applies for a visa is officially registered and vetted.
“This is a vital tool for building a secure and accountable immigration framework,” said Dhuxulow. “It also provides an important revenue stream for the government, which can be used to improve public services.”
Tensions between the Federal Government and Puntland have escalated in recent months, particularly around issues of political representation, resource sharing, and administrative authority. This latest dispute over immigration policy is likely to further strain relations between the two sides unless a negotiated solution is found.