President William Ruto on Tuesday, June 13, instructed the immigration department to issue diplomatic passports to Kenyan athletes who display exemplary performances.
While hosting record-breaking athlete Faith Kipyegon at State House in Nairobi, Ruto stated that the move will allow the athletes to represent Kenya across the globe with ease.
The passports will also accord them similar benefits accorded to all diplomatic passports including government officials and diplomats.
“I ask the ministry responsible for immigration to give diplomatic passports and other national honours to our sportsmen who excel.
“They should be able to move around the world with ease so that they can continue to raise the flag of our country in many parts of the world,” Ruto stated.
Benefits of a Diplomatic Passport
A diplomatic passport accords its holder special benefits while travelling across the world because their trips are considered official businesses on behalf of the Kenyan government.
The benefits the athletes will enjoy include;
1. Priority During Customs Check
Diplomatic passport holders are frequently granted access to priority entry and exit lanes at airports and other border crossings because they are not considered a security risk.
This means that the athletes will evade the hustle of going through customs' numerous checks at the airports or the process will be made easier for them in different airports across the world.
2. Visa-Free Travel to Certain Countries
Some countries may exempt diplomatic passport holders from Visa requirements to allow them to facilitate official government business with ease.
With a diplomatic passport, the athletes who excel will also enjoy the same benefits while travelling to countries with a Visa exception agreement with the Kenyan government.
Some of the countries Kenya struck Visa-free deals with include the Bahamas, Egypt, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa among others.
3. Special Assistance From Foreign Government
Diplomatic passport holders may be entitled to special assistance from foreign governments, including assistance with medical care or transportation within the country.
This is because foreign governments have an obligation to assist their diplomats and other government officials while handling government business in the country.
This is an additional benefit that the athletes will enjoy with the diplomatic passport as they represent the country across the world.
4. Diplomatic Immunity
This means that the athletes who will be issued the diplomatic passport will not be subject to the laws of the countries they are visiting because they are considered to be essential for the functioning of international relations.
On the other hand, diplomatic passport holders are often required to follow certain rules and regulations including notifying the government of their travel plans before they leave the country.
According to the Directorate of Immigration Services, applicants part ways with Ksh 7,550 for the application of the diplomatic passport
