Monrovia – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti issued a directive requesting the suspension of Liberian Diplomatic, Official, and Service passports issued under the July 2023 Revised Passport Regulations. The Ministry would now revert to the March 2016 regulations.
By J. H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
Addressing journalists at a Ministry of Information Special Press Briefing on Monday, Minister Nyanti emphasized that the Liberian government’s action is rooted in what she described as national security concerns that cannot be postponed or delayed.
In a statement posted on the embassy’s Facebook page shortly after the announcement, the US Embassy expressed support for the government’s move to ensure that passport holders meet official eligibility requirements, citing benefits not only for Liberia but for the global community.
“The U.S. Embassy welcomes 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,” the statement read.
Minister Nyanti clarified that the Liberian Government’s suspension of the July 2023 Revised Passport Regulations takes immediate effect.
“Due to national security concerns, the Government of Liberia through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs hereby suspends with immediate effect the July 2023 Revised Passport Regulations and reinstates the March 2016 Passport Regulations,” stated Madam Nyanti.
She further announced, “All those bearing Diplomatic, Official, and Service passports with a validity period exceeding two years are hereby requested to return them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commencing Tuesday, March 19, 2024, with the end date of this exercise being April 18, 2024.”
Additionally, Madam Nyanti urged individuals with multiple Diplomatic, Official, and Service passports to contact the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to avoid cancellation.
“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 borne by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For those outside of the country who are holding Diplomatic, Official, or Service passports that need to be replaced, kindly report to the nearest Liberian embassy or consulate,” she advised.
The March 2016 Passport Regulation of the Executive Law empowers the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue or grant passports and visas to facilitate the fundamental rights of freedom of movement for all Liberian citizens.
Article III of the March 2016 Passport Regulation outlines specific requirements for the application and use of certain categories of Liberian passports and travel documents, including Diplomatic Passports.
Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Service Passports are expected to use their passports in a manner that upholds the dignity and image of the country, as stipulated in Article IV.
The move to revert to the March 2016 Passport Regulations marks a significant step by the Liberian government in ensuring the integrity and security of its passport issuance process, with support from key international stakeholders such as the United States Embassy.