By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 3 July 2026 – Somalia’s immigration authorities said delays in passport issuance have been resolved, with citizens now expected to receive passports within one week of applying.
Hussein Qasim Yusuf, Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, said on Thursday the agency had addressed delays that disrupted passport services over the past three months.
He apologised to Somali citizens affected by the delays, saying the disruptions had impacted access to government services both inside Somalia and abroad.
“We formally apologise to Somali citizens wherever they are,” Hussein said. “The delay has now been resolved.”
He said citizens applying for passports from any location worldwide would now be able to receive the document within seven days.
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The announcement comes as Somalia accelerates efforts to modernise its identity management system by integrating passport services with the National ID system.
Hussein said linking the two systems is part of preparations for the rollout of Somalia’s new third-generation passport, expected in October.
According to him, the new passport will include advanced security features and improved identity verification systems aimed at strengthening document security and reducing fraud.
He said the integration of passport and national ID services would help ensure citizens are better prepared for the transition once the new passport is introduced.
Somalia has moved to strengthen identity verification and travel document security as part of broader reforms in immigration and public service delivery.