Thursday February 20, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Puntland regional President Said Abdullahi Deni has ordered a crackdown on illegal immigration following reports that dozens of foreign nationals have joined ISIS-Somalia. 

Deni directed all relevant agencies to enforce immigration restrictions, adding that a new law will soon be introduced to regulate the entry of foreigners into Puntland. 

Despite these measures, undocumented migrants—primarily from Ethiopia—continue to arrive in Puntland’s cities on foot. 

Last month, Puntland authorities deported approximately 1,000 undocumented Ethiopians from Garowe, the regional capital, as part of a broader crackdown on illegal migration.

The regional administration has intensified efforts to remove undocumented foreigners while also escalating military operations against ISIS strongholds in the Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. 

Puntland remains a key transit point for migrants seeking to reach Gulf nations or other parts of Somalia, with human smuggling continuing to pose a significant challenge.