Somalia Strengthens Border Security with Advanced Technology to Overcome US Visa Restrictions

Somalia has deployed a new digital border control system to combat Al-Shabaab and smuggling, aiming to lift decades-old US visa restrictions. Supported by the US, the biometric system enables real-time screening of travelers against international watchlists.

Designated by the US as a ‘terrorist safe haven’ due to rising Al-Shabaab attacks, Somalia is among the countries affected by the travel ban introduced during the Trump administration.

The Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) has been installed at all major Somali airports to modernize the country’s immigration processes.

This system detects fraudulent identities and suspicious travel patterns, facilitating legitimate travel while enhancing national security.

Mustaf Duhulow, Somalia’s Director-General of Immigration and Border Control, expressed optimism in an exclusive interview: “I hope this new approach will help Somalia exit Trump’s travel ban soon when fully operational.”

The technology includes facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and passport verification linked to local and international watchlists.

The US Embassy in Mogadishu played a vital role by training Somali immigration officers and upgrading infrastructure.

The initiative comes amid ongoing travel restrictions on Somali nationals, highlighting the critical need to reform migration management.

Bob Flannery, the US Embassy’s counterterrorism adviser for Somalia, said, “This marks the start of a new chapter in US-Somalia relations. We are committed to working together to ensure a stable and secure Somalia for its citizens.”

During a visit to Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, biometric data was used in real time to verify travelers against international databases.

Despite improvements, security concerns persist, especially in rural areas controlled by Al-Shabaab and due to government corruption.

However, officials remain hopeful that with continued international partnership, Somalia will build a stronger, safer future.