Somalia and Finland strengthen ties in migration and border security cooperation
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) has concluded a high-level consultative meeting in Mogadishu with a delegation from the Finnish Immigration Service, led by Director General Jouni Laaksonen, aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration on migration management, border control, and the fight against transnational organized crime.
The three-day engagement, held at the ICA headquarters in the Somali capital, brought together senior officials, policy experts, and representatives from both governments to explore practical ways of strengthening institutional capacity and improving coordination between their respective migration and border security systems.
According to a statement from the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority, the discussions focused on key areas including the modernization of border management infrastructure, strengthening systems for travel documentation, and improving data-sharing mechanisms to curb irregular migration and human trafficking.
Speaking during the closing session, ICA Director General Mustafa Dhuhulow highlighted the importance of international partnerships in tackling migration challenges, emphasizing that cooperation with Finland will play a vital role in developing Somalia’s border management capabilities and institutional resilience.
“Our partnership with Finland demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to global cooperation on safe, orderly, and regular migration. We aim to improve capacity in border control, identity management, and the protection of migrants’ rights,” said Dhuhulow.
On his part, the Finnish Immigration Service Director General Jouni Laaksonen reaffirmed Finland’s continued support to Somalia in building stronger migration governance systems, noting that both countries face shared challenges linked to migration flows and security.
“Finland is proud to work closely with Somalia in strengthening institutions that ensure secure borders and humane migration practices. This collaboration also provides an avenue for experience-sharing and developing long-term sustainable solutions,” he said.
The meeting also addressed the growing concern over irregular migration from the Horn of Africa to Europe, with both sides agreeing to intensify joint efforts to address the root causes of migration — including poverty, insecurity, and climate change impacts. Officials emphasized the need for improved coordination between law enforcement, border authorities, and social service agencies to enhance protection for vulnerable migrants.
Additionally, the Somali delegation underscored the importance of technological innovation in modern border management, including the deployment of biometric systems and digital identity solutions to streamline documentation processes and reduce fraud.
Finland, which hosts a sizeable Somali diaspora community, remains one of the European countries actively engaged in supporting Somalia’s efforts to manage migration through training, policy dialogue, and institutional support.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to establish a technical working group that will oversee the implementation of agreed initiatives, including capacity-building programs, knowledge exchange, and enhanced collaboration on intelligence-sharing related to migration crimes.
Officials said the discussions reflect Somalia’s growing diplomatic engagement with European partners as part of its broader strategy to promote regional stability, legal migration pathways, and international cooperation on human mobility.
