Rwanda Bars Passports Over $7.7 Million in Unpaid Court Fines

Rwanda has suspended the issuance and renewal of passports for 4,698 individuals who collectively owe approximately $7.7 million in unpaid court fines and other government penalties. The Ministry of Justice initiated this measure to enforce debt recovery, targeting those who lost court cases and failed to clear their financial obligations within the stipulated timeframe.

The affected individuals are barred from obtaining passports, hindering their ability to travel abroad for employment opportunities that could help them repay their debts. This has raised concerns among critics who argue that restricting travel may limit debtors’ chances to regain financial stability.

Legal Perspectives and Regional Context

While the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has previously condemned Rwanda for arbitrary passport revocations, legal expert Jean-Baptiste Gasominari supports the Ministry’s actions, emphasizing that passport confiscation is lawful if grounded in clear legal authority. He stressed that any restriction on fundamental rights must follow due process, including official notification and a chance to appeal.

Gasominari also pointed out that debtors had a 30-day window to settle fines voluntarily before enforcement measures began. The debts include not only fines but also criminal penalties and court costs payable to the national treasury, as well as forfeited assets declared government property by court orders.

Government Enforcement and Parliamentary Backing

Claude Ntezimana, a member of Rwanda’s Democratic Green Party, affirmed that confiscating passports aligns with laws enacted by parliament and is a legitimate tool for ensuring compliance with court judgments.

The Ministry of Justice uses the Integrated Electronic Case Management System to identify defaulters and pursues payment in phases. Officials warn that debtors cannot evade repayment, as the government is committed to recovering all outstanding amounts.