Ablakwa cancels 701 Diplomatic and Service Passports over non-compliance

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced the cancellation of hundreds of Diplomatic and Service Passports, following a nationwide recall that saw poor compliance despite multiple warnings.

The directive, which takes immediate effect from Tuesday, May 6, 2025, affects individuals who failed to return their official travel documents by the stipulated deadlines issued on January 15 and March 10 this year.

According to a statement released by the Ministry, out of the total recall list, 407 Diplomatic and 403 Service passport holders complied, returning their documents on time.

However, 341 Diplomatic and 360 Service Passports remain unaccounted for and have since been officially cancelled and placed on a stop-list.

The Ministry has warned that any attempt to use these cancelled passports will result in confiscation at all entry or exit points.

Affected groups include:

• Former Ministers and their spouses
• Former Members of Parliament
• Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses
• Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts
• Former Regional Ministers and District Chief Executives
• Former Board Members and Officers of State Institutions
• Officials previously linked to the National Cathedral Project
• Former Non-Career Ambassadors and their dependents
• Religious and traditional leaders
• Businessmen and entrepreneurs
• Any individual not currently occupying an official state role as defined by Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155)

The Ministry reiterated that only serving officials in designated state roles are entitled to hold Diplomatic or Service Passports.