Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has acknowledged the pressing need to improve security measures for Liberian passports in light of potential U.S. travel restrictions. Reports categorize Liberia as ‘yellow’ in the U.S. tier system, following concerns regarding diplomatic passport sales. The government intends to redesign passports and enhance vetting processes while addressing issues of overstays in the U.S.
In response to the potential U.S. travel restrictions on Liberia, Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has acknowledged the urgent need to improve the security measures surrounding Liberian passports. She highlighted concerns regarding officials potentially overstaying their visas in the United States, indicating challenges that have arisen in this context.
According to recent revelations from The New York Times, Liberia is classified under the “yellow” category, one of three tiers used by the U.S. to assess countries facing potential travel restrictions. Although the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has yet to issue an official statement, this matter has ignited considerable discussion, particularly regarding the alleged sale of diplomatic passports during the prior administration, which has drawn criticism and increased scrutiny toward the current government.
During her appearance before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Minister Nyanti disclosed that the Liberian government reached out to U.S. officials to clear the air concerning these issues. “We were surprised by the information circulating on social media, and immediately contacted the U.S. Embassy to verify the claims,” she explained, adding, “As of the weekend, the Ambassador informed me that there was no official communication regarding the travel restriction.”
Nyanti pointed out that while there are ongoing issues with overstays by some Liberians in the U.S., the current administration is committed to addressing these challenges. “This is a serious issue that the U.S. government has communicated to us multiple times,” she stated, suggesting that the reports may stem from limited information.
To enhance the security of diplomatic passports, Minister Nyanti assured that the Liberian government is taking decisive actions to improve the vetting process, including greater collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA). “I can assure you that no diplomatic passports will be sold under my watch,” she affirmed. Plans to redesign the Liberian passport are also underway, pending approval from relevant stakeholders.
However, Minister Nyanti acknowledged that financial constraints have delayed the decentralization of passport issuance throughout the nation. In light of these developments, Senator Dillon has requested that Minister Nyanti provide a follow-up report to the committee once the U.S. government formally responds regarding the alleged travel restrictions.
In summary, Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has recognized the need for enhanced security measures in response to potential U.S. travel restrictions on Liberia. Despite the alarming reports, she reassured that the government is actively addressing concerns related to overstays and the security of diplomatic passports. With plans underway for passport redesign and improved vetting processes, the Liberian administration seeks to restore confidence in its passport’s integrity. Moreover, Minister Nyanti will inform the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs regarding developments once they arise from U.S. communications.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
