By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 22 November 2025 — The Federal Government of Somalia says it is prepared to discuss revenue-sharing arrangements linked to the electronic visa (e-Visa) system with regional administrations, while maintaining that control over immigration and visa policy remains a sovereign national function.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar Bal’ad made the remarks during an interview on Dawan’s Miizaan Podcast, where he described the e-Visa system as part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernising public services, improving transparency, and centralising government revenue collection.
He said the shift from the former visa-on-arrival system to a digital platform was intended to address inefficiencies, reduce corruption, and align Somalia with international best practices.
“This is not a measure intended to burden the public, but a reform that has been in development for some time to ensure revenue is collected in a unified and transparent manner,” Bal’ad said.
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The minister acknowledged concerns raised by authorities in Puntland and Somaliland, but clarified that while discussions on revenue distribution remain open, sovereignty over visa and immigration policy is not subject to negotiation.
“Th Ministry of Finance is ready to share the revenue, but sovereignty and decisions related to visas and immigration are not negotiable,” he added.
Both Puntland and Somaliland have rejected the federal e-Visa system, a move that has resulted in some travellers arriving at airports in those regions being required to pay two separate fees.
The government reiterated that all regions operate under Somali national law and that any revenue-sharing arrangements will be addressed within the framework of Somalia’s constitutional order and national unity.
