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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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4 months agoon
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Ekwutos Blog
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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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OPERATION UDO GA CHI – ZERO KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU SETS UP A MONITORING TEAM TO ENSURE OPERATIVES ARE CIVIL AND COMPLIES WITH THE OPERATIONAL ORDER; ALSO THANKS THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES OF POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES

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April 16, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
OPERATION UDO GA CHI – ZERO KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU SETS UP A MONITORING TEAM TO ENSURE OPERATIVES ARE CIVIL AND COMPLIES WITH THE OPERATIONAL ORDER; ALSO THANKS THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES OF POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES
Following the launch and deployment of the Joint Security Team to enforce Operation Udo Ga Chi – Zero Kidnapping, few days ago, the Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD.* today 16th April 2025 set up a monitoring team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigations Department Awka *DCP Mantu Chong mni* to ensure that Officers are civil and are complying with the Operational Order. He can be reached on 07030871026.
The *CP* on behalf of other security agencies expresses gratitude to the State Government and some good-spirited Anambraians for their support. He also appreciates the coordinated approach and sacrifices of the Police and other Security Agencies to nip in the bud serious crimes like Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within this Easter period and beyond.
The *CP* notes that alongside our strong resolve to fight all forms of violent crimes, the Operations have a window of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community policing principles where applicable. This will be open for those desirous of taking advantage of such avenues to resolve specific problems and issues.
Anambra Police Command shall continue to review the operations as it progresses and explore strategies to improve safety and security in the State.
In the event of request for any security services, members of the public are encouraged to call the Command Control Room number on 07039194332 or PPRO 08039334002 for a prompt response. The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively. They can also call the various Area Commanders or DPOs in their various areas of concern as attached, please.
*SP Tochukwu Ikenga*
*Police Public Relations Officer*
Anambra State Police Command, Awka
16th April 2025
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Lt Col Anele Onyechi Appolonia Becomes First Female Army Spokesperson

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History has been made in the Nigerian Army as Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyechi Appolonia emerges as the first female Army spokesperson. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the quest for gender inclusion and representation within the military’s top public affairs ranks.
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Kenyan woman arrested after she posted photo of herself brandishing gun on WhatsApp and threatening any man who dumped her

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April 16, 2025By
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Police in Awasi, Kisumu County, Kenya have arrested have arrested a woman, Sharon Auma, after she posted a photo of herself on WhatsApp, brandishing a Canik pistol and threatening any man who dared to break up with her. Detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau and their counterparts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nyando arrested Sharon alongside her friend, Nancy Atieno Obura, for illegal possession of a firearm.
“The arrest follows a report received of Sharon Auma, who decided to spice up her WhatsApp status, posting a photo of herself brandishing a pistol while ominously warning that any man who dared dump her would face severe consequences,” police said.
Acting on the alarming post, detectives quickly moved in and apprehended Sharon in Awasi town.
Upon interrogation, Sharon revealed that the weapon was located at a rented two-bedroom house belonging to her friend and co-accused, Nancy Atieno Obura
A subsequent search of the residence uncovered the Canik pistol cleverly concealed in clothing–wrapped
within a basin under the bed–along with an empty magazine.
Additionally, officers recovered a fake motorcycle number plate bearing the number KMGG 805M.
Both suspects are now in custody, undergoing processing pending their arraignment.
Authorities continue to pursue additional leads to apprehend more individuals linked to the possession of the firearm.

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