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Somalia delays use of national ID for passport applications, citing unresolved technical and institutional coordination challenges that have slowed integration between key government systems. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency announced that despite the launch of the country’s digital identity program, Somali citizens must still rely on traditional documents—such as birth certificates, citizenship records, and police clearance letters—to obtain passports.
Director General Mustafe Dhuxulow explained that the delay stems from the lack of a unified data-sharing framework between the Immigration Agency and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which oversees the national ID system. “There is currently no formal integration between our systems and NIRA,” Dhuxulow said. “Before we can rely solely on the national ID, we must reconcile legacy data with new records and build a secure, interoperable system to prevent duplication and ensure accuracy.”
The digital ID initiative, launched in 2022, was designed to streamline access to public services and enhance national security. However, progress has been uneven, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and digital connectivity. As of June 2025, only a fraction of Somalia’s population had been enrolled in the system, according to NIRA officials.
Despite the setbacks, the federal government has begun conditioning access to key services on possession of the national ID card. In June, the Ministry of Transport mandated the ID for obtaining driver’s licenses and registering vehicles. Other sectors—including education, healthcare, and legal documentation—are expected to follow suit.
The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation maintains that the ID program is a non-political initiative aimed at modernizing governance and improving service delivery. Officials say the system will eventually support voter registration and electoral transparency ahead of the 2026 elections.
Still, the rollout has faced resistance from some federal member states, particularly Puntland, which accuses Mogadishu of centralizing power through identity infrastructure. Puntland officials argue that NIRA bypasses regional institutions and undermines federalism.
NIRA Director General Abdiwali Abdulle has denied claims that the ID system is linked to political agendas, emphasizing that its purpose is to ensure equitable access to government services. He also acknowledged delays in the ID card printing process, attributing them to the need for high-quality equipment and secure card production.
Efforts are underway to connect NIRA’s database with the Immigration Agency, allowing passports to be issued directly using national ID credentials. However, no formal timeline has been announced for completing the integration.
The delay has sparked frustration among citizens eager to benefit from the promised efficiency of the digital ID system. Many applicants report long wait times and confusion over documentation requirements, especially in rural areas where access to government offices is limited.
As Somalia continues its digital transformation, the success of the national ID program will depend on robust infrastructure, inter-agency cooperation, and public trust. For now, the traditional paperwork remains the only path to securing a passport, and the promise of a streamlined identity system remains just out of reach.