Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Turkey has announced it will no longer issue visas to Somali government civil servants holding service passports for tourism purposes. This decision, effective from July 18, was revealed by Hamza Aden Hadow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, referencing a letter from the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu.

In his communication to Somali government ministries and agencies, Hadow emphasized the importance of informing their staff about this change, adhering to diplomatic norms.

Despite Turkey’s significant presence in Somalia, including the largest embassy, a military academy, and investments in Mogadishu’s port and airport, obtaining tourism, education, and health visas from the Turkish embassy has been challenging for Somali citizens in recent years.

The exact reasons for the visa denial are unclear, but sources suggest it may be related to migration issues, as individuals from some African countries, including Somalia, have used Turkey as a transit point to Europe.