UAE Imposing new immigration restriction on Somalis

April 18, 2018

Horndiplomat-The reports from Mogadishu the capital of Somalia confirmed the UAE government imposing new immigration restriction on Somalis.

The UAE government is exploring imposing new immigration restrictions on Somalis unless relations improve, a source tells VOA program Investigative Dossier. UAE could refuse to issue residence permits (Iqama) to Somalis and not renew existing ones when they expire, a move which could affect 1000s of Somalis, source.

UAE is exploring imposing new immigration restrictions on Somalis unless relations improve, a source tells @i_dossier. UAE could refuse issuing residence permits (Iqama) to Somalis and not renew existing ones when they expire, a move which could affect 1000s of Somalis, source.

— Investigative Dossier (@i_dossier) April 17, 2018

A Somali official says Govt is working to de-escalate the situation. However, the official said: “There are immediate measures that FGS [Federal Government of Somalia] will take that are proportionate to any action that affects commercial interests of Somalis”.

The UAE government still not released an official statement about that new immigration restriction on Somalis.but reports from Abu Dhabi also added Somaliland citizens not part of those people imposing new immigration restriction.

On the other hand, the President of Somalia’s Mohamed Abdilahi Farmajo spoke by phone with Egyptian Pres Abdelfatah Al-Sisi on Tuesday night, to congratulate on his re-election, per state news agency. but Investigation Dossier has learned that Egypt is being approached to play a role in resolving diplomatic spat between Somalia and UAE.

Somalia-UAE relations

Relations between Somalia and the UAE have been strained since the oil-rich Gulf country’s Dubai-owned DP World port operator began operating a major port in Berbera Somaliland last year. The UAE also has invited Somaliland officials for state visits and is building a military base there, suggesting that the country is moving toward recognizing Somaliland’s independence.

Last month, the Somalia government rejected an agreement between the UAE’s Dubai World, Somaliland and Ethiopia over Berbera port, claiming the deal “violates the territorial integrity of Somalia.”

More details soon…