HARGEISA — Somaliland administration has ordered undocumented foreign nationals to leave the territory within 10 days, citing national security concerns.
Speaking to reporters in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s State Minister for Interior and Security, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, said security agencies had been instructed to identify and remove foreigners residing in Somaliland without valid documentation.
The minister did not specify what prompted the decision, but said the measure was part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security.
“We are protecting our security,” he said, adding that Somaliland is experiencing growing international attention and investment.
He said the territory was seeking to attract more foreign investment and strengthen its global engagement, arguing that security must be safeguarded as part of that process.
“Today Somaliland has gained greater recognition and attention. The world is looking towards us, whereas before many did not pay attention,” he said.
Authorities have instructed security agencies to implement the directive and ensure that undocumented foreigners leave within the 10-day deadline.
The minister also stressed that enforcement would be handled strictly by official security institutions, warning against any public interference.
“Security agencies are responsible for implementing this order and removing those residing illegally. The public should not take the law into their own hands,” he said.
The announcement comes as Somaliland continues efforts to expand international partnerships and attract investment while tightening internal security measures.
Authorities have not disclosed how many undocumented foreigners are currently in Somaliland or which nationalities may be affected by the directive.
Security agencies are expected to oversee identification and removal operations ahead of the deadline.
The move has generated debate among political observers in the Horn of Africa. Some analysts have linked the decision to Somaliland’s recent efforts to strengthen ties with a range of international partners and enhance security cooperation. However, no evidence has been publicly presented showing that any foreign government was involved in the decision, and Somaliland authorities have stated that the measure is based on domestic security considerations.
