HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland’s opposition Kulmiye party has accused President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s government of failing to present a clear plan to address travel disruptions linked to Somalia’s electronic visa (e-visa) system.
In a statement issued by party spokesperson Mustafe Abdi Iise, known as Shiine, Kulmiye said the policy had created uncertainty for travelers, particularly members of the Somaliland diaspora, foreign visitors and businesspeople.
The party said the reported restrictions had disrupted travel, investment and tourism, warning that the effects could harm Somaliland’s economy and development.
According to the statement, some passengers have been denied boarding at international airports because of visa-related requirements. It said some travelers had incurred additional expenses by purchasing new tickets but continued to face difficulties when arriving in Hargeisa.
Kulmiye criticized the government for what it described as a lack of practical measures to address the problem. The party said public statements by the president and officials responsible for the presidency and civil aviation had not provided clear details on how the government intended to assist affected travelers.
The claims were made by the opposition party and were not independently verified by HornPost.
Kulmiye Proposes Five Measures
Kulmiye called on the Somaliland government to take five steps to address the situation and improve assistance for travelers.
First, it urged the government to establish an independent e-visa system administered by Somaliland to manage entry and immigration procedures.
Second, the party proposed a joint national task force led by the ministries responsible for civil aviation, foreign affairs and immigration. The body would coordinate travel-related operations and responses to visa problems.
Third, Kulmiye called for a 24-hour traveler support hotline, including phone and WhatsApp services, alongside official email and website channels where passengers could seek assistance.
Fourth, it urged the government to publish travel guidelines in Somali, English and Arabic. The guidelines would explain visa requirements and procedures for travelers entering Somaliland.
Fifth, the party called on the government to notify the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of Somaliland’s stated visa policy. It said this could help reduce confusion among airlines and passengers over entry requirements.
Call for Government Action
Kulmiye said the government should take practical steps to help passengers facing difficulties at international airports and protect Somaliland’s authority over its travel and immigration arrangements.
The statement placed the issue within the broader dispute between Somaliland and Somalia over the administration of travel, aviation and entry requirements.
The government’s response to Kulmiye’s proposals was not included in the party’s statement.
HornPost could not independently establish from the information available whether the government has introduced separate measures to assist affected passengers.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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