Somalia Nears Launch of Third-Generation Polycarbonate E-Passport

Somalia's Council of Ministers has announced that the development of the country's third-generation Polycarbonate E-Passport has reached an advanced stage, marking a significant step toward modernizing the national passport system, improving security, and making passport services more accessible to citizens.

During the weekly Cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Internal Security presented a comprehensive briefing on the project, including technical designs, statistical data, and implementation updates. The ministry said the new passport is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance the credibility and reliability of Somali travel documents while aligning them with modern international standards.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, the ministry has also suspended all procedures for amending personal data in existing passports. The measure aims to protect the integrity of the Somali passport, strengthen public confidence in the document, and safeguard its credibility.

The statement added that the third-generation electronic passport forms part of the government's wider initiative to reform the country's travel documentation system, streamline passport issuance procedures, and provide citizens with more secure and efficient services through the adoption of advanced technologies.