Tuesday December 2, 2025
Somali passports are displayed at a processing desk in Mogadishu. Somali officials say that Germany is expected to become the first country to formally recognize the travel document
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali officials say that Germany is preparing to formally recognize the Somali passport, a move they say will ease international travel for citizens and signal renewed global confidence in the country’s security and identification systems.
Mustafa Dhuhulow, director general of Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency, said Tuesday that Germany is expected to finalize the decision soon, following months of diplomatic engagement by the federal government. He added that several other countries have also shown interest in reassessing their policies.
For years, many European governments hesitated to accept Somali travel documents due to security concerns and issues related to identity verification. Somali travelers often faced strict scrutiny at border checkpoints, limiting opportunities for study, work, and family reunification.
Dhuhulow said those concerns are shifting as Somalia improves national security, strengthens its border management systems, and modernizes its civil registration and ID infrastructure. The government has updated passport technology, tightened vetting processes, and expanded its national database.
“These reforms are encouraging governments to take another look at Somalia’s progress,” he said.
If Germany proceeds, it would mark a major step in Somalia’s efforts to restore full international recognition of its travel documents. Somali officials say the decision could influence other countries to follow, potentially opening broader pathways for mobility and strengthening Somalia’s diplomatic relationships.