Date of publication:
01/07/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies provide for the recognition of refugee status on a prima facie basis?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland’s asylum frameworks recognize group-based protection (prima facie refugee status) for individuals fleeing mass displacement due to conflict, persecution, or generalized violence. The Somalia Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law and The Puntland Refugee Protection Law allows the government to declare specific groups as prima facie refugees, ensuring expedited protection for those in need. Yemeni, Syrian, and Iraqi refugees enjoy prima facie status under a declaration issued by the Puntland State in 2015. Likewise, Somaliland’s Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law establishes prima facie recognition for asylum-seekers from countries experiencing widespread violence or humanitarian crises, eliminating the need for individualized status determination in such cases. This approach aligns with international refugee law principles, ensuring swift protection for large refugee influxes while reducing administrative burdens on asylum systems.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
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 4 - Declaration of prima facie refugee
The Minister may, if it is evident that a class of persons qualifies to be refugees under Article 3 of this Act, declare that class of persons to be prima facie refugees or such other related declaration as prescribed by regulation.
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 22 - Prima Facie Recognition of Refugee Status
The class of persons to be recognized as Prima Facie Refugee include those whose countries are affected by general problems or wars and declared such class of persons to be prima facie refugees, except for those who are specified in Article 23 of this law.
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 12.1 - Somalia Refugee Law:
The Head of the Agency may declare that a specific group of individuals meets the criteria for refugee recognition under Article 11, even if they have not individually applied for refugee status.