Hargeisa: The Government of Somaliland has taken a structured and lawful step to regulate undocumented migration by requiring all foreigners residing illegally within its borders to register for temporary residency permits, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Interior on Thursday.
In a clear and organized effort to uphold the rule of law and national sovereignty, the Ministry has set a three-week registration window—from May 6 to May 26, 2025—for undocumented foreign nationals to report to immigration departments and apply for legal temporary residency.
“All foreigners in the country are ordered to register with the immigration departments of the Somaliland Ministry of Interior within three weeks, starting from May 6, 2025, and ending on May 26, 2025. Those who register will be granted temporary residency,”
the Ministry stated.
As part of this process, a tax will be levied on registrants, and individuals are required to formally submit their applications to the relevant immigration offices, where they will receive further guidance regarding compliance with Somaliland’s immigration laws.
The Ministry also clarified procedures for those intending to leave Somaliland, requiring them to formally register their departure at official border crossings to ensure legal exit and documentation.
This new directive represents a balanced shift from an earlier, more immediate order issued on April 29, which had given undocumented foreigners just three days to depart. The revised policy, following diplomatic engagement and public feedback, demonstrates Somaliland’s responsiveness and commitment to fair and regulated immigration governance.
Among those impacted are thousands of Ethiopian nationals working in various sectors across Somaliland. The Ethiopian Government’s Special Representative to Somaliland, Teshome Shunde Hamito, recently held discussions with President Muse Bihi Abdi, emphasizing the close ties between the two neighbors. Somaliland’s updated policy reflects a thoughtful consideration of these relations while reinforcing its national immigration framework.
The government reiterated that those who fail to register within the specified timeframe will be subject to legal consequences, underscoring its resolve to enforce immigration laws consistently and responsibly.
