The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has officially cancelled all diplomatic and service passports held by former public officials, effective May 6, 2025.
In a statement, the Ministry stated that the move follows earlier notices issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025, recalling these passports.
The cancellation affects 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.
A total of 747 passports—comprising 407 diplomatic and 403 service passports—were subject to recall.
However, only 341 diplomatic and 360 service passports were returned by the deadline. As a result, 46 diplomatic and 43 service passports have been officially canceled.
The affected passports have now been placed on a Stop List and will be confiscated from any person attempting to travel with them.
The Ministry emphasized that the recall complies with the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), and aims to ensure that only individuals currently serving in official capacities benefit from these special travel privileges.
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