The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decisively canceled all Diplomatic and Service Passports issued to individuals no longer serving in any official capacity for the State. This announcement, which came into effect today, Tuesday, May 6, is part of a broader effort to ensure that only qualified and actively serving public officials retain the privilege of using such passports.
According to the Ministry, this action follows two earlier public announcements made on 15th January 2025 and 10th March 2025, which called on holders of such passports to return them voluntarily. However, many individuals failed to comply.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to announce that, effective today, 6th May, 2025, Diplomatic and Service passports issued to the underlisted category of persons have been CANCELLED and are Not Valid for International Travel,” the statement read.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, the cancellation affects a wide range of individuals who previously held key roles in government and state institutions but have since left office. These include former Ministers of State and their spouses, as well as former Members of Parliament. Also affected are individuals who served on the Council of State, including their spouses, and retired Justices of both the Superior and Lower Courts.
The directive extends to former Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), along with past officers of state institutions, chairpersons and members of government boards, and officials formerly connected to the National Cathedral Project. Additionally, former non-career ambassadors and their dependents are also covered under the cancellation.
In a move that reflects growing concerns about the misuse of diplomatic privileges, the Ministry has also included religious and traditional leaders, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and all other individuals who were issued official passports but no longer serve the nation in any recognized governmental or diplomatic capacity.
All other individuals not currently holding positions recognized under Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155)
As of 6th May 2025, 407 holders of Diplomatic Passports and 403 holders of Service Passports had complied with the recall directive and returned their documents. However, 341 Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports remain unreturned and have now been officially declared invalid.
The Ministry further stated, “All the affected passports have been placed on the Stop-List and shall be confiscated from anyone attempting to travel with the same.”
