701 Diplomatic and Service Passports Cancelled by Foreign Affairs Ministry Over Recall Breach
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has officially cancelled 701 diplomatic and service passports after their holders failed to comply with a recall directive issued earlier this year. This action, effective May 6, 2025, follows multiple public announcements urging former officials and other holders to return these official travel documents.
Background: Recall Directive and Compliance
On January 15 and March 10, 2025, the Ministry issued public notices recalling diplomatic and service passports from individuals no longer holding official positions. Despite these directives, only 407 diplomatic and 403 service passport holders returned their documents. Consequently, 341 diplomatic and 360 service passports remained unreturned and have now been cancelled and placed on a stop-list.
Categories of Affected Individuals
The cancellation affects a broad range of individuals, including:
- Former Ministers and their spouses
- Former Members of Parliament
- Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses
- Former or retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts
- Former Regional Ministers and District Chief Executives
- Former Board Members and Officers of State Institutions
- Officials linked to the National Cathedral Project
- Former Non-Career Ambassadors and their dependents
- Religious and traditional leaders
- Businessmen, entrepreneurs, and
- Any other person not currently holding an official state position as outlined in Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).
Enforcement Measures
The Ministry has placed all cancelled passports on a stop-list, rendering them invalid for international travel. Any attempt to use these passports will result in their confiscation at points of entry or departure. This measure aims to ensure that official travel documents are used responsibly and only by those lawfully entitled to them.
Legal Framework
This action is in accordance with the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), particularly Sections 6 and 7, which regulate the issuance and use of official passports. The Ministry emphasizes that only individuals currently serving in official state roles are eligible to hold such privileged travel documents.
