Somalia Confirms Data Breach in Newly Launched E-TAS System

Somali Immigration director, Mustaf Ali Duhulow

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency on Sunday confirmed that personal data belonging to some travelers who used the country’s newly introduced Electronic Travel Authorization System (E-TAS) was compromised in a security breach.

In a statement, the agency said the system had been targeted in an “unauthorized and illegal intrusion,” prompting officials to suspend the platform and launch an immediate investigation to limit the impact.

“The government of Somalia has given this matter exceptional priority,” the statement said, adding that a national investigative committee had been appointed. The committee includes security agencies, international forensic specialists, and government bodies responsible for data protection.

Authorities said a full report detailing verified findings and corrective measures will be released once the investigation is completed.

“The Immigration and Citizenship Agency regrets this incident and reiterates that the protection of personal data and national services remains our highest priority,” the statement said.

The disclosure comes days after the U.S. government announced a separate breach affecting data belonging to tens of thousands of travelers, including Somalis and foreign nationals — an announcement that has drawn significant attention on Somali social media in recent days.

GAROWE ONLINE