Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed has launched on Sunday a new procedure to follow to obtain the country’s biometric passport.

In October, Somali Current has revealed the Federal Government’s plans of implementing a new requirement for citizens to apply the passport.

Applicants will need to get national documents; including birth certificate and national identity card, before presenting their application to the immigration.

“It [The passport] will be made available to Somalis on production of birth certificates and national identity documents, which will be issued by local authorities.” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said during the launch.

The President has also unveiled revised edition of the biometric passport, stating that it is an important step for national and international security.

“Now that we are well on the road to recovery after two decades of war, it is right that Somalia should take advantage of the latest technological advances available to protect our borders,” he said, adding: “This new e-passport will provide a significant boost to the security of Somalia, as well as that of the international community.”

“While we know that earlier passports were forged and in some cases wrongly issued when there were inadequate systems in place, the new passports are much more secure and will provide an additional defense against terrorists and other criminals.

“It is essential we know at all times exactly who is coming into Somalia and who is exiting. Terrorism and many other illegal activities are transnational nowadays and we must ensure the integrity of our border for our security and that of our international partners.”