MOGADISHU, (WDN)— The Federal Government of Somalia has officially began issuing the East African Community (EAC) passport, marking a significant step in the country’s regional integration efforts, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced on Thursday.

In a detailed statement, the Prime Minister said the new passport will be issued to a broad cross-section of society, including citizens, students, businesspeople, and public servants, describing the move as one that “opens the door to the region and the wider world.”

The rollout follows Somalia’s formal accession to the East African Community, a bloc aimed at promoting economic integration, trade, and mobility among member states. Officials say the introduction of the EAC passport is expected to ease travel restrictions and expand economic opportunities for Somali nationals.

Barre emphasized that Somalia’s international standing has improved in recent years, noting that the Somali passport has risen from 111th place in global rankings in 2021 to 96th position today—an increase of 15 places. He attributed this progress to growing international confidence and governance reforms.

According to the government, Somali citizens can now travel to nearly 40 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival arrangements, a development described as particularly beneficial for students and entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister also pointed to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at expanding visa-free access beyond holders of diplomatic passports to include ordinary citizens.

“Somalia is not joining the global community empty-handed,” the Prime Minister said, framing the move as part of a broader effort to position the country as a competitive and connected regional actor.

Although the East African passport may facilitate easier movement and trade within the East African Community (EAC) bloc, many citizens have expressed concern that it should not be misconstrued as a replacement for the Somali National Passport, which must remain the primary travel document for Somali citizens.

The Somali passport currently faces significant international travel restrictions, and many believe the government should prioritize strengthening its global standing so that Somali citizens can travel with greater freedom and dignity. The introduction of an East African passport should therefore not serve as a shortcut that diminishes the importance, sovereignty, and national pride associated with carrying a Somali National Passport.

WardheerNews