Joint NIRA-ICA Training Program for Embassy Attachés Officially Launched in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Saturday, 23rd August 2025 – The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), in partnership with the Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) of Somalia, today launched a comprehensive six-day Training Program for ICA Embassy Attachés in Mogadishu.

The program, which runs from 23rd – 28th August 2025, is designed to strengthen the capacity of attachés from 30 embassies to manage registration and identification services abroad, with a special focus on linking the Somali National Identification System (SNID) with the Somali passport.

Opening the training, Mr. Abdiwali Ali Abdulle (Timacadde), Director General of NIRA, highlighted the progress achieved in a short period: “We have surpassed our initial targets by establishing more than 50 centers across the country. Today, we take another step forward as we prepare ICA embassy attachés abroad to register Somali citizens living in the diaspora.” He further emphasized the importance of integration, noting: “Linking the National Identification System with the passport will significantly improve the quality and global credibility of the Somali passport.”

Mr. Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, Director General of ICA, reinforced this commitment, stressing that improving the Somali passport is a national duty and that cooperation between NIRA and ICA is vital. He underlined that, beginning September 1, passports will be directly linked to the National ID, and by January, internal travel within Somalia will also require it.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, Deputy Minister Hon. Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir praised the collaboration between NIRA and ICA, noting that the integration of the National ID and passport systems will enhance the credibility of Somali identity documents and extend critical services to the Somali diaspora.

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Minister Hon. Mohamed Ali Omer (Ali Balcad) described the transfer of diaspora registration responsibilities to ICA as a groundbreaking milestone, reflecting the maturity and vision of both institutions’ leadership.

Adding his perspective, Hon. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail “Fartaag”, Minister of Internal Security, stressed that inter-agency cooperation is essential and urged other government institutions to align with the National Identification System. He further underscored that from September 1, no one will be able to obtain a passport without a National ID, and from January 1, internal travel within Somalia will not be possible without it.

The first day of the training included sessions on NIRA’s mandate, code of conduct, and interactive discussions. Over the next six days, participants will cover a wide range of topics, including legal frameworks, registration procedures, cybersecurity, data protection, citizen services, and the operationalization of SNID, combined with practical training and evaluations.

This joint initiative, supported by the World Bank Group through the SCALED-UP Project, underscores the strong partnership between NIRA and ICA in strengthening Somalia’s identification systems, expanding services to the diaspora, and enhancing the global recognition of Somali identity and travel documents.