The Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration generally recognize valid travel documents issued by other states as legitimate forms of identification for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum-seekers, and refugee-returnees. These documents—such as passports, national identity cards, and other official foreign-issued credentials—are routinely accepted by relevant authorities for administrative, legal, and protection-related purposes.

In both jurisdictions, these documents play an important role during asylum registration and refugee status determination (RSD) processes. When individuals seek protection or legal stay, immigration and refugee authorities typically request the submission of any available identification, including travel documents issued by their country of origin or third countries. Such documentation assists in the verification of identity, the establishment of legal profiles, and the facilitation of access to services including healthcare, education, and freedom of movement.

In Somalia, recognition of foreign-issued travel documents aligns with evolving migration and asylum policies, and reflects the state’s engagement with international protection standards. Similarly, in Somaliland, authorities accept valid foreign-issued travel documents on a case-by-case basis, particularly when processing asylum claims or facilitating returns and reintegration. While the availability of documentation may vary among displaced individuals, especially those fleeing conflict or persecution, the general practice is to consider such documents as valid and relevant evidence during registration, case assessment, and service provision.

These practices underscore the importance of flexibility and administrative discretion in contexts where forcibly displaced persons may lack complete documentation. The recognition of travel documents issued by other states contributes to broader efforts to uphold the dignity, legal identity, and protection needs of FDPs and supports their ability to navigate host-country systems lawfully and effectively.