MOGADISHU — Somalia’s foreign ministry said it is stepping up coordination with the country’s immigration authorities to improve passport services and streamline travel procedures, as part of broader efforts to modernise public administration.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met in Mogadishu with the Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia, Hussein Qasim Yusuf, to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two institutions, according to an official statement.
The talks focused on improving the management and issuance of diplomatic, service and official passports, as well as harmonising migration procedures and strengthening information-sharing systems to accelerate service delivery for citizens and government entities.
Officials said both sides agreed to establish a joint technical committee tasked with advancing coordination on government travel documents, consular affairs and immigration services. The committee is expected to work on standardising procedures, reducing processing times and improving verification systems to curb fraud and ensure compliance with international travel standards.
“The goal is to build an efficient, secure and citizen-focused system for passports and migration services,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia said.
The initiative comes as Somalia continues reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and restoring confidence in official documentation after years of conflict that weakened state systems. Reliable travel documents are seen as key to facilitating international mobility for Somali citizens, supporting diplomatic engagement and improving border management.
Analysts say closer coordination between the foreign ministry and immigration authorities could also enhance consular support for Somalis abroad, particularly in regions hosting large diaspora communities, while aligning the country’s systems with global best practices.
The meeting forms part of ongoing government efforts to improve inter-agency collaborationy, boost transparency and deliver more efficient public services.
