Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The Somali Embassy in Ankara has taken steps to ease the difficulties Somali citizens are facing in obtaining and renewing residency permits in Turkey. On Thursday, Somali Ambassador to Turkey, Fathudiin Ali Mohamed Ospite, met with Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to discuss the growing concerns of Somali nationals struggling with residency issues and to explore both short-term and long-term solutions.
During their meeting, Ambassador Ospite expressed gratitude to the Turkish government for its continued friendship and support to Somalia, highlighting the deep historical and brotherly ties between the two nations. He emphasized that Somalia and Turkey share a bond rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity — a relationship that has only strengthened over the years through political, economic, and humanitarian collaboration.
The ambassador said the Somali Embassy has been actively working to help citizens resolve residency challenges, noting that many Somali students, businesspeople, and families in Turkey have been affected by recent changes in immigration regulations. He commended the Somali Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Security for their close cooperation with the embassy in gathering data, communicating with Turkish authorities, and coordinating diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting the rights of Somali nationals abroad.
Ambassador Ospite assured the Somali community that their concerns are being heard and that efforts are underway to secure fair treatment and stability for those who live, study, or work in Turkey. He explained that finding a balance between Turkey’s immigration policies and the needs of Somali citizens requires patience and continued dialogue, but expressed confidence that the discussions with the Turkish Interior Ministry would lead to positive results.
In response, Minister Yerlikaya reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Somalia. He acknowledged the challenges Somali nationals face and pledged that his government would work closely with the Somali Embassy to develop formal and lasting solutions. Yerlikaya also praised Somalia’s diplomatic approach, describing it as constructive and aligned with Turkey’s commitment to mutual understanding and regional cooperation.
The talks come at a time when Turkey has been tightening its residency policies due to the high number of foreigners currently living in the country. In July 2025, the Turkish government temporarily suspended the issuance of new residency permits to foreign nationals, except in cases related to health, education, or international trade. This policy has affected thousands of immigrants, including Somalis, who now face delays and uncertainty in renewing their documents.
Turkey currently hosts around 5.4 million foreigners, including over 1.2 million residents in Istanbul alone. Among them are more than half a million Syrian refugees and thousands of Somali citizens pursuing education or employment opportunities. Many Somalis have chosen Turkey for its stability, educational opportunities, and strong diplomatic ties with Mogadishu, but the recent restrictions have left some in difficult situations — especially students and families struggling to regularize their status.
Both governments expressed optimism that continued cooperation will help ease these difficulties. The Somali Embassy has pledged to keep working closely with Turkish authorities to make the process smoother and ensure that Somali nationals are treated fairly under the new regulations.
The meeting in Ankara marks another chapter in the close relationship between Somalia and Turkey — a partnership built on shared values, mutual trust, and a shared vision of progress. As efforts continue, Somali citizens in Turkey are hopeful that these diplomatic discussions will lead to tangible solutions and a more stable future.