Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency has suspended travel to Egypt for Somali citizens using the “Visa on Arrival” or “Ok to Board” system, despite the arrangement remaining officially recognised by Egyptian authorities.

The decision was announced on Saturday by the agency’s Director, Hussein Iidow, and was immediately enforced on passengers booked on an EgyptAir flight scheduled to depart Mogadishu at 3:30 p.m.

Several passengers were reportedly stopped from boarding at Aden Adde International Airport, leaving many stranded at the airport. Those affected include Somali citizens holding “Visa on Arrival” approvals, a significant number of whom were travelling to Egypt for medical treatment.

Witnesses at the airport described scenes of confusion and concern among passengers, particularly patients and their accompanying relatives, as uncertainty grew over their travel status and medical appointments.

The move has sparked questions over the legal basis of the restriction, as the “Ok to Board” system had previously been operating with the formal approval of the Egyptian government, which has not announced any suspension or objection to the arrangement.

Authorities have yet to issue further clarification on the reasons behind the decision or whether the measure is temporary.