The Federal Government of Somalia has announced that it has reached an agreement with Somaliland regarding the dispute over the electronic visa (eVisa) system, stating that both sides are now satisfied with how the system is being managed.
Ahmed Ma’allin Hassan, Director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, told the BBC that there are no longer any obstacles related to the eVisa system and that the new system is open to Somali business operators, including those based in Hargeisa.
Ahmed explained that the payment system used by airlines and travel agencies was designed with Somali business operators in mind, noting that its implementation could create commercial opportunities for people living in various regions of the country.
He stated that travel agencies in Hargeisa, as well as those operating elsewhere in Somalia, can all utilize the system, effectively dismissing concerns that its implementation might pose a challenge to business operators in Somaliland. When asked about concerns regarding taxes levied on airline tickets and how the immigration systems of Somalia and Somaliland would interact, Ahmed stated that the system is unified and applicable throughout the entire country.
He added that the recent dispute concerning the eVisa has been resolved, and that there is now a mutual understanding regarding the implementation of the system. However, he noted that matters pertaining to national laws and the distribution of resources must be addressed in accordance with established national procedures.
The dispute over the eVisa had previously raised concerns among individuals traveling between Somalia and Somaliland, particularly regarding immigration administration and the fees charged to those entering the respective territories.
Ahmed Ma’allin Hassan emphasized that the system is accessible to Somali businesspeople regardless of their location, and that it has the potential to contribute to the development of the aviation sector and immigration services.
