The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cancelled all unreturned Diplomatic and Service passports held by former public officials.
The directive, effective May 5, 2025, follows earlier public notices issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025, recalling all such passports from individuals who no longer meet the eligibility criteria under sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).
According to a statement issued by the Ministry on May 6, 2025, the cancelled passports are deemed not valid for international travel and will be confiscated from any individual attempting to use them.
The categories of affected individuals include former ministers, parliamentarians, council of state members, retired judges, former MMDCEs, ambassadors, board members, traditional leaders, and other individuals no longer serving in official capacities.
The Ministry noted that, as of May 6, 2025, a total of 407 Diplomatic and 403 Service passports had been voluntarily returned in compliance with the directive.
“However, 341 Diplomatic and 360 Service passports remain unreturned,” it noted.
These, according to the Ministry, have now been officially revoked and placed on a stop-list on the orders of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The public is advised that any attempts to use these cancelled passports will result in confiscation.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
