Farmaajo fires another shot at Kenya, introduces new visa rules

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:   President Mohamed Farmaajo’s outgoing administration has pulled yet another diplomatic offensive against Kenya introducing new travel restrictions in what is seen as part of the ongoing tiff with Nairobi.

The Department of Immigration announced Monday all Kenyan passport holders will from next week be required to obtain visas from Somali embassies. The order will take effect from December 13, the Department said but noted the move was informed by measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and boost security measures.

“In line with the Federal government’s policy of ensuring security, improving migration management and reducing the risks of COVID-19 Infections, from December 13, 2020, all Kenyan passport holders traveling to the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia are obliged to obtain visas from Somali embassies,” a notice from the department said.

Kenyan passport holders normally obtain visas in Somalia upon arrival but after applying through the Immigration Department.

Somalia added that diplomatic passport holders will have to get approval from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Somalia expelled Kenyan ambassador late last month in the latest diplomatic row with Kenya over what it termed as the interference of its internal affairs. Opposition leaders have however condemned the decision saying it was a campaign strategy by Farmaajo to secure local support ahead of elections in February.