Garowe (HOL) — Puntland has rejected the Federal Government of Somalia’s newly launched electronic visa system, accusing Mogadishu of overstepping its authority by attempting to control entry into regional territories.

Puntland’s Information Minister Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir on Tuesday criticized the federal initiative, saying the right to issue visas and manage airports rests with Puntland when it comes to travelers landing in its territory.

“We condemn it — it is robbery what the Federal Government of Somalia is doing,” Dirir said. “Until a formal agreement is reached, the central government has no legal authority to control people landing at the country’s airports.”

Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency officially launched the Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (E-Visa/ETAS) on September 1, 2025, through a dedicated online portal. Authorities say the system will simplify travel, enhance transparency, and strengthen national security by requiring all travelers to apply for visas online before entry.

The rollout, hailed by Mogadishu as a major step in modernizing immigration services, has instead ignited fresh tensions between the federal government and Puntland, which has long clashed with Mogadishu over authority and revenue control at airports.