MONROVIA: The Government of Liberia through the Foreign Ministry has issued a directive requiring all holders of Diplomatic Passports to return them starting March 19, 2024.
According to Foreign Minister Sara Beyslow Nyanti, failure to comply by April 25, 2024, will result in the passports being deemed invalid and unusable.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) on Monday, March 18, 2024, Minister Beyslow Nyanti stated that the government does not have a comprehensive record of individuals who are in the possession of Liberian diplomatic passports.
She says the mandate comes as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the proper use and accountability of diplomatic passports.
Minister Beyslow Nyanti made known that the deadline set by the government of Liberia aims to streamline the process and address any potential misuse of diplomatic privileges.
With this caution, the Minister admonished individuals affected by this directive to promptly return their diplomatic passports to avoid any inconveniences.
She explained that over the past years, there have been Liberians and non-Liberians who are not eligible to handle privilege passports, but have been flying around the world, claiming to be legitimate Liberian government representatives.
She furthered that regardless of the time duration given to those with the passports, the office will remain opened to trace those in possession of Liberian diplomatic passport.
“Liberian citizens and non-Liberians who are not eligible for Diplomatic, Official and Service passports should kindly return the passports to the Ministry of Foreign regardless of duration of validity period,” she continued.
At the same time, she disclosed that the legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will handle reissuance of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports will be based on eligibility.
The cost of the replacement of the said passports will be free of charge to our citizens with costs by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy near Monrovia has welcomed the latest measure taken by the Government of Liberia to ensure all diplomatic, official, and service passport holders meet official eligibility requirements.
The Foreign Minister’s commitment to address the issue of fraudulent travel documents advances not just Liberia’s national security but that of the international community. Thank you Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the Embassy asserts!
The Embassy said “We commend Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its decisive action to enhance the integrity and credibility of Liberian travel documents.”
The challenge posed by the illicit trade in travel documents is a serious one, with far-reaching implications not only for individuals but also for the broader security and stability of our communities, the US Embassy noted.
The United States remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel between Liberia and the U.S., which serves as a vital bridge in strengthening business connections and fostering invaluable people-to-people ties between our nations. Contributed By Elbie Sebleh .