Somaliland gives Ethiopians, Yemenis and other undocumented foreigners 10 days to leave
Somaliland authorities have ordered undocumented foreigners, including Ethiopians, Yemenis, and other non-citizens residing without legal documentation, to leave the territory within 10 days. Officials say the measure is aimed at strengthening security and immigration controls as Somaliland seeks to attract greater international attention and investment.
HARGEISA (Somali Report) — Somaliland authorities have ordered undocumented foreign nationals to leave the territory within 10 days, citing security concerns and the need to strengthen immigration controls.
The announcement was made by Somaliland’s State Minister for Interior and Security, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, who said security agencies had been instructed to identify and remove individuals residing in Somaliland without legal documentation.
“We are protecting our security,” Abdirashid told reporters in Hargeisa. He added that Somaliland is receiving growing international attention and attracting increased investor interest, making security a priority for the government.
“Today Somaliland has gained greater recognition and attention. The world is looking towards us, whereas before many did not pay attention. We expect more investors to come, and we must safeguard our security,” he said.
The minister stressed that implementation of the order would be handled exclusively by security institutions and not by members of the public.
“Security agencies are responsible for implementing this order and removing those who are residing illegally in Somaliland. The public should not take the law into their own hands,” he said.
The government has not released figures on how many undocumented foreigners are currently living in Somaliland, nor has it specified which nationalities are expected to be affected.
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When asked whether citizens from Somalia would be included under the directive, Abdirashid said all non-Somaliland citizens residing without legal documentation are considered foreigners under Somaliland law.
The order is not the first of its kind. In April 2025, Somaliland’s Interior Ministry directed undocumented foreigners to leave the territory within three days. Following concerns raised by diplomatic representatives and regional partners, authorities later revised the policy and introduced a registration process.
Under that revised framework, undocumented foreigners were given several weeks to register with immigration authorities and obtain temporary residency permits. The government also required departing foreigners to register their exit at designated border crossings.
Over the years, Somaliland has periodically carried out immigration enforcement operations targeting undocumented migrants. The territory hosts a diverse population that includes Ethiopian migrants, refugees from Yemen, displaced people from southern Somalia, and smaller communities from other countries.
Many Ethiopians work in low skilled sectors across Somaliland, while migrants and refugees from across the region have sought opportunities or safety in the territory because of its relative stability compared with parts of the wider Horn of Africa.
The latest directive comes as Somaliland continues efforts to tighten border controls, strengthen internal security, and present itself as a stable destination for international investment and partnerships.
Security agencies are expected to oversee the identification, processing, and removal of individuals found to be residing in Somaliland illegally before the deadline expires.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.