Puntland authorities have announced strict new measures to curb the growing trend of youth smuggling and illegal migration. A meeting in Garowe, attended by officials from the Ministries of Security and Civil Aviation, along with police, immigration, and Garowe Airport officials, focused on tightening controls against smuggling networks.
Puntland has recently seen a sharp increase in youth undertaking perilous illegal migration facilitated by human traffickers, with many ending up in harsh conditions in Yemen, Morocco, and Sudan.
Officials resolved to fully prevent the illegal export of youth through Puntland’s airports, particularly those using forged documents produced on the black market.
“Anyone caught at Puntland airports involved in smuggling activities or using forged documents will face joint action by Immigration and Police authorities and will be prosecuted,” the communiqué stated.
The government also directed that traffickers and smuggling networks be swiftly prosecuted. Airlines and ticketing companies were urged to collaborate closely to ensure thorough document verification for outbound passengers to prevent smugglers from evading detection.
