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Somalia, Switzerland sign agreement to strengthen immigration services and security, marking a major milestone in Somalia’s efforts to modernize its border management systems and enhance the global credibility of its travel documents. The bilateral deal, signed in Geneva on July 23, brings together Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in a strategic partnership aimed at upgrading infrastructure, building technical capacity, and reinforcing national security.
The agreement was formalized during an official visit by ICA Director General Mustafa Duhulow, who held high-level meetings with Swiss officials from the ministries of justice and foreign affairs, as well as immigration and border control experts. Duhulow described the partnership as “results-oriented,” emphasizing its potential to transform Somalia’s immigration services and restore international trust in Somali-issued passports.
Under the deal, Switzerland will provide technical support, training, and specialized equipment to help Somalia detect forged travel documents and streamline immigration procedures. The collaboration also includes knowledge exchange on passport production and national identity systems, with Somali officials touring Swiss land borders and airports to observe advanced technologies in action.
The initiative is part of Somalia’s broader push to reform its civil registry and border control systems after decades of conflict and administrative gaps. Officials say the partnership will play a key role in strengthening Somalia’s national security, improving service delivery, and facilitating lawful mobility for citizens.
One of the core objectives is to enhance the integrity and international recognition of the Somali passport, which has long faced scrutiny due to weak security features and limited global acceptance. By adopting Swiss best practices and integrating modern technology, Somalia hopes to elevate its travel documents to meet international standards.
The Swiss government has already donated equipment to Somalia’s immigration department, including tools designed to detect document fraud. These resources will be paired with practical training programs to build the capacity of ICA personnel and ensure sustainable improvements.
The agreement also reflects Switzerland’s commitment to supporting governance and migration reforms in the Horn of Africa. As part of its regional cooperation strategy, Switzerland has prioritized Somalia for development assistance, focusing on areas such as peacebuilding, health, and institutional strengthening.
For Somalia, the deal signals a turning point in its quest to rebuild state institutions and foster global partnerships. It comes at a time when the country is working to improve its international standing and attract investment, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
As the partnership unfolds, both countries have expressed optimism about its long-term impact. The Somali delegation’s visit to Switzerland not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration in areas such as digital identity, border surveillance, and migration policy.