Puntland bans undocumented foreigners, plans new visa system

Somalia’s Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has issued an executive order banning undocumented foreigners from entering the region. He directed all government agencies to take immediate steps to halt the influx of illegal migrants, according to a statement issued Wednesday by Puntland’s state house.

“President Said Abdullahi Deni has issued a Presidential Order to stop illegal aliens from entering Puntland territory and instructed all relevant government agencies to act (to stop the immigration),” the statement read.

The statement also noted that new regulations would be introduced to establish a formal visa and entry system for foreigners, though no further details were provided on the timeline or implementation process.

The decision follows months of offensive operations in the mountainous Bari region, known as Al-Miskaad, targeting ISIS-Somalia fighters. Many militants captured or killed during the operations were reportedly foreign nationals from countries such as Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tanzania.

Puntland also hosts a number of undocumented migrant workers from neighbouring Ethiopia, many of whom are employed in manual labour.

The new measures are believed to be aimed at mitigating security risks posed by illegal migration amid heightened alertness in Puntland and across Somalia due to ongoing militant threats.