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The world’s most powerful passports in 2024 revealed: European countries dominate the top 20, but it’s the UAE that’s No.1, while the UK and the U.S slide further down the ranking

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The world's most powerful passports for 2024 have been revealed - and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tops the charts for the fourth year in a row
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The world’s most powerful passports for 2024 have been revealed – and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tops the charts for the fourth year in a row.

The global ranking indicates the number of countries citizens around the world can enter visa-free. Those living in the UAE have access to more than 90 per cent of the world and are able to visit 133 countries visa-free and 47 by virtue of a visa on arrival.

The rest of the top 20 is dominated by European countries, with 19 of the top 20 most powerful countries located in Europe.

Spain overtakes Germany (5th) to become the second most powerful passport in the world, while Finland jumps into third place ahead of France(4th), Belgium (6th) and Italy (7th). France’s passport remains the strongest of the G20 nations.

The UK continues to slide down the ranking, dropping 10 places from 22nd to 32nd in 2024. UK passport holders are able to visit 125 countries visa-free and 49 by virtue of a visa on arrival. It last held a place in the top 10 in 2017.

The USA also sees its passport fall further in the index, falling from 27th to 38th. U.S citizens can visit 123 countries without a visa and 50 by virtue of a visa on arrival. The U.S last held a top 20 ranking in 2019.

Arton Capital, which produced the ranking, says in a statement: ‘With the new Trump administration incoming, it remains to be seen what steps the U.S will take to stop the downgrade of its once-great passport. Currently the weakest passport in the G7group of nations, Trump’s incoming administration has all the motivations to make the U.S passport great again.’

However, the American passport remains more powerful than its ‘greatest competitor’, China, whose passport ranks at 110 in the power index.

GLOBAL PASSPORT POWER INDEX 2024

MOST POWERFUL PASSPORTS 

1 . UAE (most powerful)

2. Spain

3. Finland

4. France

5. Germany

6. Belgium

7. Italy

8. Denmark

9. Netherlands

10. Luxembourg

11. Austria

12. Portugal

13. Norway

14. Switzerland

15. Greece

16. Ireland

17. Sweden

18. Poland

19. Hungary

20. Czech Republic

LEAST POWERFUL PASSPORTS

1.  Syria (least powerful)

2. Afghanistan

3. Iraq

4. Somalia

5. Pakistan

6. Yemen

7. Bangladesh

8. Palestinian Territories

9. Libya

10. North Korea

Source: Arton Capital

South Korea’s passport is the strongest in Asia, despite falling from 17th to 21st, compared to last year’s ranking. Japan (25th) and Singapore (30th) are the next most powerful Asian passports.

Further west in central Asia, Kazakhstan (114th) and Uzbekistan (140th) each climb this year’s ranking, in a trend continued from previous years.

In the Middle East, conflict continues to negatively impact the mobility scores of the countries in the region, remarked Arton Capital, with governments tightening travel restrictions and visa issuances.

The UK continues to slide down the ranking, dropping 10 places from 22nd to 32nd in 2024. UK passport holders are able to visit 125 countries visa-free and 49 by virtue of a visa on arrival

 

HOW DOES THE PASSPORT RANKING WORK?

‘When countries possess equal scores, countries are ranked from then on in order of their Human Development Index (HDI) data that is set by the United Nations Development Programme. The HDI is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Countries with higher HDI scores tend to have stronger passports, offering more visa-free access due to better living standards and a stronger international reputation.’ Arton Capital

Earlier this year, the statement points out, Schengen nations warned citizens against travelling to and from Israel and Palestine, while Israel temporarily stopped issuing visas to humanitarian workers.’

Hrant Boghossian, co-founder of the ranking, says: ‘The World Openness Score remained flat this year – the post-Covid recovery jump we noticed in the past few years is truly over.

‘Unsurprisingly, European passports are overwhelmingly the best ranked, ahead of larger economies like the United States and China. Nearly all countries in the Balkans experienced growth in their mobility this year, a positive trend in the region we hope will continue.

‘Geopolitical factors including elections and conflicts continue to influence global mobility. Despite this, we are still seeing countries collaborate and governments recognise the opportunities that visa-free agreements represent.’

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Jaruma Stirs Controversy with Surprising Admission

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In a startling revelation, prominent entrepreneur Jaruma has openly declared her interest in Adedeji Adeleke, the father of renowned musician Davido. In a recent video posted on her social media platform, Jaruma showcased her range of products, subtly suggesting they were tailored for the esteemed businessman.

Jaruma brazenly encouraged Adedeji Adeleke to consider the benefits of having a younger companion like herself, highlighting her capacity to provide exceptional care and support. With unwavering confidence, she asserted her readiness to cater to the billionaire’s needs, should he present her with the opportunity.

Photo source: Entertain Region

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P-Square: Court grants Jude Okoye N50m bail, seizes travel passport

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Justice Rahman Oshodi of Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja has granted bail to Jude Okoye the former manager of the hip-hop artists of the defunct music group P-square, in an alleged theft of $1 million US dollars 34, 537 pounds.

The judge admitted him to bail of N50 million with two sureties in like sum and ordered that the defendant deposit his two international passports.

Justice Oshodi granted him bail after listening to the arguments and submissions of counsel representing the parties on bail applications.

Okoye, the elder brother of Peter Okoye (Alias Mr P) and Paul Okoye (a.k.a Rude Boy) is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on stealing but the defendant denied committing the offence, and pleaded not guilty to all the count charges.

The anti-graft commission in the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, EFCC alleged the Okoye of dishonestly converting the sum of $767,544.15, to his own use, the sum which was paid Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive the complainant, Peter Okoye his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft commission also alleged that sometime between 2016 and 2023, the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of £34,537.59, paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive the complainant of his special interest in the property.

Okoye was also alleged of dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566.49, which sum paid by Kobalt Music Digital distribution/publishing royalties with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

The anti-graft agency said the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652.23, paid by Mtech limited as payment for music digital distribution publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye of his special interest.

The defendant’s offenses contravene the provision of Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2011.

However, the EFCC counsel, Mr. Mohammed Bashir, earlier in his submission, told the court that the prosecution filed a counter affidavit to the bail application dated March 3, 2025. He said the defendant has a dual identity, and the ill health he claimed was not substantiated by any document.

The defendant’s counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a bail application dated January 27 and prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant.

READ ALSO:Jude Okoye arraigned on fresh charges by EFCC

He urged the court to grant his client bail in liberal terms. He said his offence is bailable and that he did not jump bail when he was admitted to jail by the EFCC.

While delivering the ruling, Justice Oshodi ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport.

“I have carefully read the bail application and the counter application filed by the parties. The defendant’s offences is a four-count charge of stealing,” the judge said.

He admitted him to bail of N50 million with two sureties in like sum and ordered that the addresses of the duties be verified and must show evidence of tax payment in the last three years.

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Gunmen k!dnap and k!ll Catholic priest in Kaduna

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Gunmen suspected to be bandits have kidnapped and k!lled Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, the parish priest of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Rev Fr Okechukwu, from Ozalla Nkanu in Enugu State, was kidnapped from his residence around 9:15pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

He was brutally m8rdered by his abductors in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement said it’s yet to be determined why the priest was killed.

“This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr. Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope,” the statement read.

“He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.

“Let us come together as one family for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and prayers for the eternal repose of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service of God and humanity.

“We wish to call our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayers. No one should take the law into their hands.

“The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. May we continue to hold one another in prayer and unity during this dark moment.”

Born December 1980, Rev, Okechukwu was ordained a Catholic priest on 11th February 2021.

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