The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has officially cancelled the Diplomatic and Service passports of former government officials, public figures, and other non-serving individuals, effective 6th May 2025.
This decisive action, communicated in a public notice dated 6th May 2025, follows previous announcements made on 15th January and 10th March 2025 regarding the recall of such passports. According to the Ministry, all diplomatic and service passports held by individuals no longer serving in official government capacities are now invalid for international travel.
The cancellation affects the following categories of persons:
Former Ministers and their spouses
Former Members of Parliament
Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses
Former/Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts
Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives
Former Officers of State Institutions, Board Members, and Chairpersons
Officials of the National Cathedral Project
Former Non-Career Ambassadors and their dependents
Religious and Traditional Leaders
Businessmen and Entrepreneurs
Former Government Functionaries
And any other person holding official passports not currently serving the State
The Ministry revealed that 407 holders of Diplomatic Passports and 403 holders of Service Passports complied with the directive and returned their passports. However, due to non-compliance by others, 341 Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports have been officially cancelled. These passports have been placed on a Stop List and will be confiscated if found in use.
The Ministry emphasized that the cancellation is in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), and aims to ensure the appropriate and legal use of official travel documents.
This bold move underscores the government’s commitment to uphold the integrity of its diplomatic and service passport system.
