The Northeastern Regional State of Somalia has announced a new travel ban for people under the age of 30, as part of efforts to curb the growing smuggling and human trafficking in the region.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport in the Northeastern region said the decision was prompted by growing concerns about illegal migration, with evidence showing that people smuggling networks are using sophisticated techniques to smuggle young people, especially those who have not yet reached the age of responsibility. According to the ministry, this has led to increased monitoring of travel out of the region.
The press release also indicated that some airline ticket offices may be involved in facilitating the activities of smuggling networks, which has led the administration to tighten the responsibility of travel companies.
This new order specifically targets all airline ticket offices operating in the region, including a company called Sagal Travel Agency that operates flights between Mogadishu and Lascaanod twice a week.
The ministry has announced that anyone under the age of 30 cannot travel without a parent, and that no letters of guarantee will be accepted unless they have been officially verified by government agencies and local elders.
The ministry has ordered Sagal Travel Agency to re-check all tickets it has, including those sent by other companies it works with, to ensure that all new regulations are being followed. The authorities have warned all travel companies that violating the order will face legal action, including being added to a list of entities linked to human trafficking.
The move comes as the Northeastern administration says there are increasing cases of young people being misled into seemingly legal trips that turn into dangerous migration, while parents and traditional elders are calling for a serious crackdown on human trafficking networks.
