Council of Ministers approves diplomatic, special passports withdrawal from ineligible holders

The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers has issued a circular in response to a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to compile a list of names and details of leaders and their families who hold diplomatic or special passports.

In its circular, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers referenced the decision made during the Council’s meeting on January 28, assigning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Fatwa and Legislation Department, to amend certain provisions of Law No. 11 of 1962 on passports. The objective is to reassess the categories ineligible for diplomatic and special passports and submit the findings to the Council of Ministers within a month. Additionally, the Ministry must coordinate with relevant ministers and the Civil Service Council to take the necessary steps to withdraw diplomatic and special passports from those who are not entitled to hold them.

The General Secretariat indicated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its letter dated February 6, 2025, addressed the regulation of the issuance of diplomatic and special passports. The letter was circulated to ministries and government agencies, instructing them to compile and submit the names and details of leaders and officials holding positions that qualify them and their families for diplomatic or special passports and report this data to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Secretariat emphasized the importance of promptly notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once a leader’s tenure ends. Additionally, it stressed the necessity of returning the diplomatic or special passport to the Ministry to obtain official clearance confirming its surrender, as it was issued based on the individual’s previous position.

Source: Al Qabas