The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara BeysolowNyanti, has mandated everyone holding diplomatic, official and service passports to immediately return thembeginning today, March 19, 2024; Cynthia Quinisierreports.
Speaking during a Ministry of Information special press briefing on Monday, March 18, 2024, Minister BeysolowNyanti said due to national security concerns, the Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has suspended with immediate effect the July 2023 Revised Passport Regulations and reinstated the March 2016 Passport Regulations.
According to her, those bearing diplomatic, official and service passports with the duration of more than 2 years should be returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commencing Tuesday, March 19, 2024 with an end date of this exercise being April 18, 2024.
She said all 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 Affairs regardless of the duration of validity period.
“All those with multiple diplomatic, official and service passports are hereby informed that those extra passports will be cancelled with immediate effect,” Minister Beysolow Nyanti observed.
The Foreign Minister however pointed out that, in the case that an individual has information that justifies his having multiple diplomatic, official and service passports, the individual can contact the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister maintained, “Reissuance of diplomatic, official and service passports will be based on eligibility. The cost of the replacement of the 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 then expressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ regrets for any inconvenience that this action may cause to Liberians at home or abroad.
“This exercise has become necessary for national security concerns and cannot be delayed or deferred. In this regard, everyone is encouraged to comply with this notification to avoid any inconvenience at ports of departure and entry,” she observed.
She also informed the public to contact the ministry on 0888-500-055/0777-500-055 for any questions or concerns.
Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy accredited to Monrovia has welcomed the latest measure taken by the Government of Liberia (GOL) to ensure all diplomatic, official, and service passport holders meet official eligibility requirements.
The U.S. embassy underscored that 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.
“We commend Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its decisive action to enhance the integrity and credibility of Liberian travel documents,” the embassy said.
According to the U.S. embassy, “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 embassy emphasized that 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.