Somalia's eVisa System and Presidential Remarks on National Identity: A Case for Progress and Unity

In the evolving landscape of Somalia's post-conflict recovery, recent policy initiatives by the Federal Government underscore a commitment to sovereignty, security, and national cohesion. The introduction of the Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (eVisa/eTAS) on September 1, 2025, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's clarifying statements on Somali identity represent strategic advancements. 

As a Somali advocate for national unity, I argue that these measures not only address longstanding vulnerabilities but also fortify the Federal Republic's path toward stability and prosperity. This article examines their rationale, benefits, and alignment with broader governance objectives.

The eVisa System: Enhancing Security and Economic Integration

The eVisa platform, accessible via [evisa.gov.so], mandates online applications for all foreign travelers, including minors, prior to arrival. This digital process replaces outdated visa-on-arrival procedures with a streamlined system for submission, review, and approval, typically within hours. Exemptions are limited to diplomats, United Nations personnel, and nationals from visa-free countries, ensuring equitable application across Somalia's regions.

Regional stakeholders in Puntland and Somaliland have raised concerns regarding federal overreach, yet these critiques overlook the system's grounding in the Somali Constitution's framework for unified border management. 

As articulated by Immigration and Citizenship Agency Director Isaaq Hassan Taakow, the eVisa facilitates applications "from anywhere in the world and receipt within a short time," aligning Somalia with international standards observed in neighboring Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

The system's merits are multifaceted

National Security: Amid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab, the eVisa enables pre-arrival vetting of passports, travel intentions, and biographical data. This proactive approach mitigates risks previously associated with ad hoc entry processes. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre emphasized at the launch that the initiative establishes a "more secure and transparent framework" for international engagement, complementing military gains in liberated districts.

Economic Efficiency: By centralizing revenue collection and reducing administrative bottlenecks, the eVisa directs funds toward critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. It supports broader digital reforms, including national identification systems and mobile financial services like SOMQR, fostering an environment conducive to investment and tourism.

Federal Cohesion: Uniform implementation reinforces Somalia's indivisibility, countering fragmentation narratives. Compliance with international aviation regulations ensures that valid approvals prevent unwarranted denials, promoting orderly travel.

President Mohamud has directly addressed implementation challenges, invoking shared historical resilience to affirm the system's necessity. His directive that even diaspora Somalis with foreign passports obtain visas underscores a principled balance between openness and oversight.

Presidential Remarks: Reinforcing Somali Identity in a Fragmented Context

Complementing the eVisa rollout, President Mohamud's recent addresses have delineated the essence of Somali identity, rooted in shared ethnic heritage, linguistic ties, and fidelity to the state. He has urged compatriots abroad to secure Somali passports or adhere to visitor protocols, framing identity as a voluntary affirmation rather than an exclusionary barrier.

Interpretations portraying these statements as divisive misapprehend their intent. In a geopolitical environment marked by external influences, such as Ethiopia's regional maneuver, and internal clan dynamics, such clarity serves as a bulwark against exploitation. Drawing from his background as an educator and founder of SIMAD University, Mohamud's approach aligns with the federal constitution's provisions on citizenship, emphasizing cultural and linguistic bonds alongside allegiance to the republic.

These remarks synergize with the eVisa by distinguishing genuine stakeholders from potential disruptors, thereby encouraging diaspora contributions to national development. Under Mohamud's tenure, inclusive policies have advanced youth employment, gender equity, and inter-clan reconciliation, yielding tangible progress. As he stated in a recent counter-terrorism address, "We are one people, stronger together," encapsulating a vision of unity predicated on mutual accountability.

Conclusion: Toward a Resilient Somalia

The eVisa system and President Mohamud's elucidation of Somali identity are not isolated reforms but integral components of a cohesive governance strategy. They address security imperatives, harness economic opportunities, and nurture national solidarity, essential for Somalia's integration into the global community. As citizens, our endorsement of these initiatives honors the sacrifices of past generations and secures a prosperous future.

For diaspora members and international partners, these measures invite collaboration on equal terms. Somalia's resurgence demands collective resolve; let us advance it with unwavering support for our federal institutions.

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Mohamed Hassan, a passionate Diaspora Somali-based civil society advocate, champions fair elections and national sovereignty while critiquing emotional narratives with sharp-witted calls for reason.

📧 Contact: moxassan@gmail.com 

X: @MoHassanM_