Garowe, Puntland — January 25, 2025: Puntland State of Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at enhancing security across the regional state. The new provisions, which target various aspects of security and daily life in Puntland, include regulations on the presence of foreigners, street begging, mobile telecommunications, housing, employment, and small businesses.
According to statement seen by Somali stream, The internal security Ministry has issued a clear directive prohibiting the illegal entry of foreigners into Puntland, citing security concerns. “The new regulation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both its citizens and foreign nationals by enforcing strict border control measures.” The statement read.
Puntland authorities have further banned begging in public areas such as mosques, streets, and commercial establishments as part of efforts to maintain public decorum and safety. Beggars will no longer be allowed to display contact numbers or solicit donations in these locations. The move is part of a broader strategy to regulate public spaces and address concerns about social order.
In another tough directive, telecommunications companies operating within Puntland are now required to ensure that all customers, particularly foreign nationals, present official identification and a local guarantor before activating phone lines or mobile accounts. The Ministry has further instructed telecom companies to immediately deactivate phones and mobile numbers currently being used for begging activities.
The internal security Ministry has further set tighter regulations on Housing, Employment, and Rentals Effective immediately, adding that individuals who do not have legal status in Puntland will be prohibited from renting housing, opening mobile phone accounts, or seeking employment.
The Ministry has also emphasized that any person or entity found facilitating such activities, whether through renting property or offering employment to illegal migrants, will be considered a criminal under the new regulations.
Puntland authorities have further placed a strict ban on unlicensed small businesses that have been crowding market spaces without the proper permits. This regulation aims to curb the growth of informal businesses that operate outside of legal frameworks and potentially undermine the formal economy.
The Puntland leadership has defended these measures terming them as necessary to address mounting security threats, particularly as the region grapples with challenges posed by illegal immigration and the presence of unregulated activities. The government argues that the new rules are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of its people and assets.
While the government’s decision has been met with some approval for its focus on security, there has been mixed reaction from local communities and business owners. Critics argue that the restrictions could harm vulnerable populations, such as refugees and migrant workers, who may struggle to meet the new documentation requirements. Additionally, the ban on begging has sparked concerns about the well-being of those who rely on street begging as a source of income.
In response, the Puntland government has reassured the public that these measures are aimed at improving overall public safety and are not intended to penalize those in need. The Ministry has promised to implement complementary programs to assist individuals affected by the new policies, particularly those who may be displaced by the restrictions.
Authorities have already started enforcing the new rules with immediate effect, and public awareness campaigns are being launched to ensure that citizens and foreign nationals understand the updated regulations. Law enforcement agencies have been tasked with monitoring compliance, particularly in commercial areas and border regions.
The Ministry of Interior has warned that violations of these regulations will result in severe penalties, including criminal charges for those found facilitating illegal activities.
As Puntland continues to navigate its security and economic challenges, these new provisions represent a bold step toward tighter control over the region’s borders, economy, and public spaces.