A Surge in Youth Migration from Puntland Amid Rising Concerns

by: Kaab TV | 14 May 2025 20:39

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A Surge in Youth Migration from Puntland Amid Rising Concerns

GAROWE, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The number of young people migrating from Puntland through dangerous routes to reach European countries has significantly increased.

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GAROWE, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The number of young people migrating from Puntland through dangerous routes to reach European countries has significantly increased.

While no formal research has yet been conducted on this issue, government officials, youth, women, and other community sectors have expressed growing concern over the large-scale exodus of young people in 2025.

Kaab TV organized a public forum in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, bringing together representatives from the police, women’s groups, intellectuals, and youth.

Koore Geelle, a youth living in Garowe, said that widespread unemployment is the primary reason driving young people to leave the country.

"There is widespread unemployment, and job opportunities are not distributed equally,” he said.

He added that even educated youth are unable to access the few available jobs due to rampant corruption and discriminatory practices, including clan-based favoritism.

1,601 human trafficking cases between 2017 and 2024.

Colonel Abdirisak Ismail Darwish, Deputy Commander of the Puntland Police in charge of public relations, stated that the police are aware of the large number of youths who have migrated. He noted that they are working in partnership with civil society organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.

Colonel Darwish also highlighted the increasing number of trafficking networks actively facilitating illegal human smuggling.

The Puntland Police have documented at least 1,601 human trafficking cases between 2017 and 2024. They have also dismantled six major trafficking networks during this period.

Abshiro Ahmed Mohamed from the Puntland Ministry of Labor described the situation as tragic, noting that some of the youths who took the dangerous sea journey are now either dead or unaccounted for.

"There is indeed unemployment, but that should not justify taking a life-threatening journey across the sea,” she said.

READ: Crackdown on Human Trafficking and Passport Fraud

Abshiro added that one of the main challenges is the lack of entrepreneurial mindset among high school and university graduates, many of whom believe their only option is to be employed by others rather than creating their own jobs.

"It’s a serious problem that everyone wants to work for someone else instead of becoming job creators and innovators themselves,” she stated.

Nashaad Mahmoud, an educated woman and activist in Puntland, pointed to the country’s deteriorating economy and the lack of viable opportunities for youth as key contributing factors.

She also noted that many young people are unwilling to do low-paying or manual jobs while in Somalia but are quick to take such jobs once they reach Europe.

"The government must take serious action against human trafficking networks,” Nashaad urged.

Some of the youth invited to the discussion raised direct questions about the daily challenges they face in Puntland.

Corruption, hopelessness, and the fact that many government officials hold foreign passports were also cited as key factors driving youth to flee the country.