Somaliland launches crackdown on illegal foreigners

Hiiraan Online
Wednesday January 20, 2016

HARGEISA (HOL) – Police in the breakaway northern Somalia region of Somaliland have rounded up dozens of illegal foreign workers Tuesday in what appeared to be the start of nationwide crackdown, officials said.

Authorities said that the crackdown would affect foreigners who stay or work in the enclave illegally.

advertisements

It’s unclear what prompted the move, however, witnesses in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital told HOL that the raids largely targeted Ethiopian nationals which police said rounded up more than 50 people Tuesday.

Police officials also urged locals to provide information on illegal foreigners.

Some of the foreigners have checked into the immigration department to present their legal papers to the immigration authorities.

The affected foreigners have expressed concerns over the prompt crackdown by the government which they said started the sweep without giving a grace period for them to plan for their exit to their respective countries.

No comment could be reached from Ethiopia’s Somaliland mission on the development; however, Ethiopia maintains a warm diplomatic relationship with Somaliland.

Home
Email