Date of publication:
01/07/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies provide for the issuance, replacement and renewal of official personal identification documents for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
In Federal government of Somalia and Somaliland, national and sub-national authorities are responsible for issuing official personal identification documents to individuals, including forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) such as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugee-returnees. These identification systems play a crucial role in ensuring access to essential services, legal protection, and socio-economic opportunities for both citizens and displaced populations.
Identification Systems in Somalia
In South and Central Somalia and Puntland, the government has initiated a nationwide registration process for citizens and stateless persons. This effort aims to provide legal identity documentation to all individuals, including those who have historically faced challenges in obtaining official identification. The issuance of identity cards is expected to enhance access to public services, financial institutions, and employment opportunities while strengthening governance and security mechanisms.
Additionally, the Federal Government of Somalia, through the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) under the Identification and Registration Act (Law No. 009 of March 2023), is responsible for managing the country's identity registration framework. NIRA oversees a structured process that includes data collection, biometric verification, and the issuance of National ID cards to citizens and legal residents. This centralized system ensures that identity records remain secure and verifiable, promoting accountability and transparency.
Refugee Identity Cards in Somalia
In partnership with UNHCR, the Federal Government of Somalia (through NCRI—National Commission for Refugees and IDPs) and the Puntland Government (through the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation) are piloting the issuance of Refugee Identity Cards. This initiative aligns with domestic legal frameworks and international best practices, providing refugees with official recognition, enabling them to access essential services, and facilitating durable solutions such as local integration and economic participation. The pilot phase is expected to inform a broader rollout across the country.
Identification Systems in Somaliland
In Somaliland, the government issues National Identity Cards to citizens aged 15 and older. The application process involves online submission, local authority verification, and in-person collection at designated district offices. These ID cards serve as official proof of identity and are mandatory for accessing public services, including healthcare, education, and employment.
Furthermore, refugees and asylum seekers in Somaliland are provided with identity cards, enabling them to secure protection, access humanitarian assistance, and participate in socio-economic activities within the region. This policy reflects Somaliland’s commitment to upholding refugee rights and ensuring legal documentation for all residents.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Identification and Registration Act
- Year: 2023
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Documentation
Legal provision
Section 6 - Registration of Individuals
2. Every citizen and legal resident shall be required to register with the Authority and be issued a National Identification Number (NIN). 3. The registration process shall involve— (a) The collection of biometric and demographic data as prescribed under this Act; (b) The verification of identity using official documentation and any other prescribed means; (c) The issuance of an identification document upon successful completion of registration.."
Somaliland Refugee Protection Law
- Year: 2023
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 39.2 - Refugee Identity Cards
During the decision-making period of the refugee application, every person who is recognized as an asylum seeker has the right to be issued a document certifying that he has been recognized as an asylum seeker
Article 39.1 - Refugee Identity Cards
1) Every person who has been recognized as a refugee has the right to be issued a refugee identification card
Puntland Refugee Protection Law
- Year: 2016
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 31.1 - Identification document
Every Refugee and Asylum-seeker who presents himself to the Refugee Affairs Department Office in accordance with Article 9 shall: - a) be issued with an Identification Card in the prescribed form. b) be permitted to remain or move freely throughout Puntland subject to reasonable restrictions as may be imposed by the Minister
National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and internally Displaced Persons
- Year: 2019
- Type: Domestic policy
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/policy/strategy/natlegbod/2019/en/122553
Legal provision
Principle 8.1 - Documentation of refugee-returnees and IDPs
The Federal Government of Somalia shall ensure the issuance of all documents necessary for refugee-returnees and IDPs for the enjoyment and exercise of their legal rights (e.g. passports, personal identification documents, and birth and marriage certificates). In particular, the authorities shall facilitate the issuance of new documents or the replacement of documents lost in the course of displacement, without imposing unreasonable conditions such as requiring the return to one’s habitual residence in order to obtain required documents, or imposing prohibitive costs
Somalia Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law
- Year: 2023
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 19.4 - Rights of Asylum Seekers
The rights provided to asylum seekers under Paragraphs (1) and (3) also apply to the family members of asylum seekers.
Article 20.2 - Rights of Refugees
A refugee and their family members shall: (a) Have the right to remain in Somalia for the duration of their recognized refugee status. (b) Be issued refugee identification documents.
Somaliland IDP Policy Framework
- Year: 2015
- Type: Domestic policy
- Rights Category: Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Section 5.11 - Legal, documentation, safety and security
The Government shall facilitate legal access and protection for internally displaced persons (IDPs) by: Upholding the rule of law to ensure victims of rights violations have access to legal assistance and related services; Ensuring protection actors possess the capacity to respond to and refer protection cases appropriately; Establishing community-based mechanisms to support protection responses; Guaranteeing access to the issuance and replacement of personal documentation; Ensuring prompt and impartial investigations into all security-related incidents; Protecting IDPs from arbitrary arrest and detention based on their displacement status; and Establishing referral pathways and raising awareness—particularly in the Somali language—on available legal services and procedures, including for children.