Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of Liberia acknowledged the country’s security challenges regarding passport management amid potential U.S. travel restrictions. Liberia has been classified in the “yellow” tier, raising discussions about past issues with the sale of diplomatic passports. The minister reassured that measures are being taken to improve the vetting process and redesign the passport while addressing overstays by Liberians in the U.S.
In light of ongoing apprehensions regarding potential travel restrictions imposed by the United States on Liberia, Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has expressed the government’s commitment to bolster the security of Liberian passports. She acknowledged existing challenges related to public officials and others overstaying their visas in the U.S., which heightens these concerns.
Recent articles from The New York Times categorized Liberia in the “yellow” tier, denoting countries possibly facing travel limitations. Although the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has yet to issue a formal statement, this classification has incited considerable discussion, particularly in relation to the alleged sale of diplomatic passports in prior administrations, which critics believe warrants increased scrutiny.
During her appearance before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, headed by Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Minister Nyanti confirmed that the Liberian government is taking a proactive approach by engaging U.S. officials to seek clarification regarding the situation. She stated, “We were surprised by the information circulating on social media, and immediately contacted the U.S. Embassy to verify the claims.”
Additionally, she highlighted the ongoing issues of overstays involving some Liberian nationals and officials in the U.S., insisting that the government is actively working to remedy these challenges. “This is a serious issue that the U.S. government has communicated to us multiple times,” she emphasized, while noting that the reports of restrictions may stem from insufficient information.
In her remarks, Minister Nyanti assured efforts are underway to enhance the vetting process for diplomatic passports, including improved collaboration with the National Security Agency. She firmly stated, “I can assure you that no diplomatic passports will be sold under my watch.”
Plans to redesign the Liberian passport have also been discussed, pending approval from relevant stakeholders, as part of broader security improvement endeavors. However, financial limitations have thus far hindered efforts to decentralize passport issuance.
Senator Dillon has requested that Minister Nyanti provide the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs with a follow-up report once a formal response from the U.S. government regarding the travel restrictions is received.
Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has recognized security concerns surrounding Liberian passports amidst potential U.S. travel restrictions, attributing some issues to public officials overstaying in the United States. The government is taking measures to address these problems, including enhancing passport vetting processes and redesigning the passport itself. Minister Nyanti has committed to ensuring the integrity of diplomatic passports and is ready to provide updates to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs pending any formal responses from the U.S. government.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
