Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency has prevented 124 young people from leaving the country through unauthorized routes in the first quarter of 2025, intensifying efforts to combat human smuggling and illegal migration, officials said Thursday.
The intercepted individuals, aged 18 to 25, were reportedly planning to travel to countries across Europe, Asia and Africa through irregular migration corridors. Authorities said all of them were transferred to relevant government bodies after evidence confirmed their intent to migrate illegally.
“These operations are part of our responsibility to safeguard Somali youth and prevent them from facing the life-threatening dangers associated with irregular migration,” the agency said in a statement issued from Mogadishu.
The crackdown follows a series of recent operations in which Somali authorities disrupted smuggling attempts involving groups of young people attempting to leave the country without proper documentation. Officials say the campaign reflects growing concern over the risks young Somalis face when pursuing dangerous and unauthorized migration routes.
Human smuggling has long posed a threat in Somalia, where high unemployment, political instability and limited opportunities drive young people to seek futures abroad. Many rely on smugglers to arrange dangerous journeys across deserts and seas. According to the International Organization for Migration, Somali migrants frequently face abuse, extortion and death along these routes — particularly in conflict-affected transit countries like Libya, Sudan and Yemen.
The Somali government has responded by increasing border controls and public awareness efforts. But officials stress that enforcement alone is not enough.
“We urge Somali parents to remain alert and aware of their children’s movements,” the agency added. “Community vigilance is crucial to preventing youth from falling into the hands of smugglers.”
The United Nations has repeatedly emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address irregular migration, urging nations like Somalia to invest in local employment, education and outreach programs. While government agencies have taken steps to strengthen immigration enforcement, experts say long-term solutions must address the root causes pushing youth to leave.
Somalia’s immigration agency said it will continue monitoring potential smuggling networks and work with families and local authorities to reduce the risks of illegal migration.
