Somalia Admits E-Visa System Breach After Week of Silence, Despite US Earlier Disclosure That Data of Applicants Was Stolen

Mogadishu (Hornpost) The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that its e Visa system was hacked, marking one of the most significant data breaches acknowledged by authorities in recent days, following U.S. reports that information belonging to more than 36,000 people had been compromised.

In a statement issued by the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the government admitted the breach after nearly a week of silence over the cyberattack targeting the Somalia e Visa platform.

Read the press release that we translated into English and original was Somali Language below

“IMMIGRATION & CITIZENSHIP AGENCY

Press Release

Mogadishu, Nov 16, 2025

The Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia announce that it has identified an unlawful intrusion targeting parts of the passenger data system (e-TAS). Immediately after the breach was detected, the Agency initiated urgent measures to suspend and investigate the incident to mitigate its impact.

The Federal Government of Somalia has assigned the matter high priority, appointing a national-level investigative committee comprising security agencies, international forensic experts, and relevant governmental bodies responsible for data protection. The committee is examining the scope of the breach, its origin, and its potential implications.

A comprehensive report detailing the findings, verified information, and corrective actions will be released upon conclusion of the official investigation.

During the investigation period, all individuals potentially affected will be notified directly, using only the official communication channels of the Federal Government of Somalia.

The Agency urges citizens and international travelers to rely solely on official information from the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, to avoid misinformation or miscommunication.

The Immigration and Citizenship Agency express its regret over the incident and reiterates that safeguarding personal data and national digital services remains its top priority. The Agency is enhancing its cybersecurity systems, including advanced data-protection standards and multi-factor authentication across all services.”

Prepared:

Hornpost staff Reporter

info@hornpost.com

www.hornpost.com

Mogadishu, Somalia

Horn post staff

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