Garowe, Puntland – Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has taken a bold step—effective today, February 19, 2025, the entry of foreigners without legal immigration documents has been officially banned.

On Wednesday night, President Said Abdullahi Deni issued a presidential decree prohibiting the entry of undocumented foreigners into Puntland’s territories. The decision took effect on February 19, 2025.

The decree directly instructed all relevant government institutions—including the Ministry of Security and DDR, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports, Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, and the Immigration Authority—to immediately enforce the new regulation.

A statement from the Puntland Presidential Information Office read:

“All relevant agencies are hereby informed that, effective today, February 19, 2025, foreigners without legal immigration documents are prohibited from entering Puntland’s territories.”

The decree is part of Puntland’s broader efforts to strengthen security and stability, aiming to prevent the entry of undocumented foreigners who may pose security risks. President Deni also announced that a specific law regulating immigration into Puntland would be introduced soon.

This move follows an earlier directive issued by the Puntland Ministry of Interior on January 26, 2025, officially banning the illegal entry of foreigners.

Puntland has recently been engaged in an intensified campaign against armed groups operating within its territories, particularly the Islamic State (Daesh) faction. Puntland security officials report that many Daesh members in the region are foreign nationals, prompting stricter immigration controls.

Additionally, Puntland previously ordered the closure of phone numbers used by foreign beggars in the region, instructing telecom companies to disable those lines.

The Puntland government has also cracked down on unauthorized small businesses of immigrants operating in informal markets, which officials claim contribute significantly to the region’s unregulated economy.