Authorities in Somalia’s Puntland region have arrested a senior immigration official accused of issuing illegal passports to youths attempting dangerous migration journeys.
Officials say the Garowe deputy office head violated orders restricting passports for youths preparing to travel in Puntland through established smuggling networks.
Authorities say youths were detained at Garowe Airport after arriving from Mogadishu, allegedly planning onward travel to Ethiopia along clandestine migration routes.
Puntland officials say the suspect will face court proceedings and reiterate that human smuggling is illegal and will be prosecuted across region.
Puntland remains a major departure point for irregular migration, with clandestine networks facilitating payments, travel documents and transportation for youths seeking journeys.
