Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) has
announced a raft of sweeping reforms and milestones achieved in its mid-year
performance report, signaling a transformative leap in how the country manages
migration, border control, and public services.
In the report, ICA detailed the progress made in its
institutional reform, human resource development, passport modernisation,
digital integration, and border security.
“This work represents the beginning of a long-term
transformation,” said Mustafa Sheikh Ali Duhulow, Director General of the ICA.
“We are building an
institution that protects the dignity of Somali citizens, strengthens the rule
of law, and supports the country’s engagement with the world.”
He noted that the gains realized in passport modernisation,
border security, and digital transformation mark a new chapter for migration
governance in Somalia.
In Its strategic reform and institutional resilience, the
agency established a Performance and Accountability Office to monitor progress
and ensure transparency in all its operations.
It has also began developing the ICA Training Academy for
staff development and capacity building.
On employee welfare, the agency will reinforcing civil
service links by having formal registration of ICA employees under the Civil
Service Commission, as well as recognition and compensation of at least 156
long-serving volunteer staff.
New internal committees have also been introduced to handle
promotions, disciplinary actions, and staff incentives.
The report said that in collaboration with Interpol, ICA has
bolstered international cooperation on border control and law enforcement.
Mustafa cited the adoption of advanced pre-screening tools
like the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Name Record
(PNR) system, which have been crucial in enhancing border security.
He also cited infrastructure development such as opening of
a third passport center in Daynile District and the ongoing construction for a
central passport facility in Boondheere.
On Digital Transformation and Interagency collaboration, ”A
key achievement was the rollout of the e-TAS electronic visa system, which
contributed to a 27.4% rise in government revenue. A new interagency
coordination committee now facilitates data sharing between passport services
and national ID systems.”
ICA added that to ensure equitable service delivery, ICA has
established new offices in Dhusamareeb (Galmudug) and SSC-Khatumo, providing
full immigration and citizenship services to historically underserved
populations.
This has greatly impacted the ease of acquiring passports
from area residents and those from neighboring regions.