MOGADISHU, Somalia — June 20, 2026 —Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has responded to growing concerns over new European Union visa restrictions targeting Somali citizens, urging undocumented Somalis in Europe to return home while stressing the need for strict identity verification in deportation processes.
The remarks were made during an official event in Mogadishu, where the president addressed Somalia’s position on migration cooperation with European countries and the handling of returnees.
The comments come at a time of increasing debate between Somalia and European partners over migration controls, visa access, and the return of nationals without legal residency status.
President Hassan Sheikh said Somalia is not refusing to accept its citizens who are deported from European countries, but emphasized that proper procedures must be followed to confirm identities before any returns take place.
“We have not refused to receive our people back,” the president said. “The question is how they are returned and how their identities are verified.”
He added that Somalia remains open to cooperation with European governments on migration management, but insisted that verification systems must be strengthened to avoid errors in deportation processes.
The president also issued a direct appeal to Somali nationals living abroad without legal status, urging them to return voluntarily.
“Somalis who are in European countries without legal status should return home. We want them back,” he said.
According to officials in Mogadishu, the federal government has been engaging with international partners on improving migration systems, including identity documentation and return procedures.
Government Response
Government representatives have previously raised concerns about the deportation process, particularly the need for reliable identification mechanisms before individuals are returned to Somalia.
Officials argue that proper verification is necessary to ensure that only Somali nationals are repatriated and that returnees receive appropriate support upon arrival.
According to government sources, Somalia continues to cooperate with European states on migration management while seeking to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad.
European governments have, in turn, pushed for stronger cooperation from countries of origin, including Somalia, to facilitate the return of individuals who do not meet legal residency requirements.
Background and Migration Context
Migration remains a major issue in Somalia’s foreign relations, particularly with European countries that host large Somali diaspora communities.
Hundreds of thousands of Somalis live across Europe, contributing significantly to family incomes in Somalia through remittances.
Over the years, European governments have tightened immigration rules and increased efforts to manage irregular migration, including visa restrictions and deportation agreements.
Somalia has repeatedly stated that it supports legal migration pathways while calling for fair and transparent treatment of its citizens abroad.
The issue of identity verification has been a long standing concern, with Somali officials arguing that weak documentation systems can complicate deportation procedures and lead to administrative disputes.
Diplomatic engagement between Somalia and European partners is expected to continue, particularly on migration cooperation and return agreements.
Officials say discussions are ongoing to improve identity management systems and streamline the process for handling returnees.
The federal government is also expected to continue urging Somali citizens abroad without legal status to consider voluntary return, while balancing domestic reintegration challenges.
The president’s remarks highlight Somalia’s attempt to balance cooperation with European migration policies while asserting control over how deportations are handled.
The emphasis on identity verification reflects long standing institutional challenges in documentation systems and border management.
At the same time, the call for voluntary return signals growing pressure on undocumented Somali migrants in Europe, where immigration policies have become more restrictive in recent years.
The developments may shape future negotiations between Somalia and European states, particularly around migration agreements and visa access frameworks.
