Director of the Somali Immigration and Naturalization Directorate Mr. Mohamed Adan “Koofi” on Saturday complained about the use of foreign passports by government leaders.
Speaking to a government-owned media, Mr. Koofi said that the move weakens efforts to make Somali passport recognized in the world.
“It’s possible that there are leaders, whatever kind they will be, who use foreign passports and go abroad to discuss with the world about Somali interest. Surely it has its consequences because it doesn’t encourage our current efforts to bring back the reputation of the country’s passport,” said Mr. Koofi.
“Because if the country that you are talking with about the issue knows that the Ministers, MPs and the government leaders are travelling with foreign passports, they will wonder what makes only you to talk and the responsibility that you are carrying and the Ministers don’t,” added Mr. Koofi.
He said foreign nations that the directorate discussed with about recognition of Somali passport wondered why members of the cabinet don’t use the country’s passport.
“It has its challenges and surely we were asked. When we talked about it, they said several Ministers met us and most of them had foreign passports, so if your passport is ok why don’t your Ministers have it?” he said.
“It’s a challenging question. We defended ourselves and gave what we thought was the answer,” he added.
However, the Director said that things are now improving for the better.
“But today it’s not the same. We are now better than before as most leaders and employees of the government use the Somali passport. That’s an honour for them,” said the Director.
