Somaliland has launched a massive crackdown on undocumented Ethiopians. The aim of the campaign is to identify those who are residing without legal authorization, in order to enforce immigration laws and strengthen security arrangements.
A number of people are said to have been displaced by the ongoing instability in Ethiopia. Somaliland authorities maintain that this action is necessary to defend the country’s sovereignty and ensure border security.
Crackdown on Undocumented Ethiopians: Somaliland Takes Action
A large-scale crackdown has been launched in Somaliland, targeting more than 10,000 undocumented Ethiopians in major cities. According to officials, at least 70 percent of these people are engaged in manual labor in various informal sectors.
The campaign has been launched in response to growing concerns about border security, as Ethiopia and Somaliland share a nearly 1,000 km unsecured border. According to officials, about 30 percent of recent illegal entries have arrived through informal channels, leading to stricter immigration measures.
Undocumented Ethiopians Face Deportation Amid Security Concerns
According to reports, more than 5,000 undocumented Ethiopians have already been detained, where they face processing and possible deportation. The Somaliland government says at least 60 percent of illegal immigrants do not have identification documents, complicating the verification process.
The local population is concerned about the economic impact, as Ethiopian citizens make up about 20 percent of the informal workforce. Officials say a 40 percent increase in illegal entries was recorded during the past year, making the operation imperative to reduce security threats.
Somaliland’s Immigration Measures Target Undocumented Ethiopians
Somaliland immigration authorities have tightened security and deployed more than 500 additional officers to prevent illegal border movement. The crackdown is in line with the new 2024 immigration policies, which emphasize ensuring stricter visa regulations. According to government estimates, about 15 percent of undocumented Ethiopians have been living in the area without legal status for the past 5 years or more. At least three major cities are major centers of illegal immigration, government sources say, prompting the need to tighten immigration controls.
