Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Addresses Passport Security…

Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has acknowledged security concerns regarding Liberian passports in light of potential U.S. travel restrictions. Reports indicate Liberia’s yellow status, and the Minister assures efforts to improve vetting processes and passport security. Financial constraints hinder immediate decentralization of passport issuance. Senator Dillon has requested further updates from the Minister following a U.S. response.

On October 10, Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti addressed concerns regarding potential U.S. travel restrictions on Liberia. She acknowledged the necessity of improving security measures surrounding Liberian passports due to issues with officials overstaying in the United States. This acknowledgment follows reports categorizing Liberia as yellow, indicating possible travel limitations by the U.S.

The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has yet to make an official statement; however, the issue has raised significant debate. Allegations surrounding past administrations and the sale of diplomatic passports have intensified scrutiny regarding passport security. During her address to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Minister Nyanti affirmed the government’s proactive approach in clarifying the situation with U.S. officials.

“We were surprised by the information circulating on social media and immediately contacted the U.S. Embassy to verify the claims,” she stated. Furthermore, she emphasized the government’s efforts to resolve the overstaying issue while stressing that the reports may stem from insufficient information.

To enhance passport security, Minister Nyanti highlighted collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA) and assured that no diplomatic passports would be sold while she remains in office. Plans are also in place for redesigning the Liberian passport, pending approval from relevant stakeholders, to fortify security measures.

Finally, due to limited financial resources, the decentralization of passport issuance has not yet commenced. Senator Dillon of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has requested a follow-up report from Minister Nyanti once the U.S. government publicly addresses the matter.

In summary, Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has recognized security challenges regarding Liberian passports amid potential U.S. travel restrictions, emphasizing the need for improved vetting processes and collaboration with the National Security Agency. The Liberian government is actively working to enhance passport security and redesign the passport, albeit financial constraints impede immediate decentralization efforts. Furthermore, the Minister will provide further updates to the Senate Committee following the formal response from the U.S. government.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com