When it comes to passports, usually the names of powerful countries like America, Britain or UAE come to our mind. But do you know that there is a passport in the world which does not belong to any country but to an organization? This is considered to be the rarest and special passport in the world, which is almost impossible for any common man to obtain. The surprising thing is that at present only 500 people in the whole world have this passport.
Actually, this passport is not the identity of any powerful nation, but of a centuries-old institution ‘Sovereign Military Order of Malta’. This passport held by the members of this organization is so effective that through it they can travel to most of the countries of the world without any lengthy paperwork.
The ‘Sovereign Military Order of Malta’ is considered to be one of the oldest institutions in the world. Its roots go back to the 11th century. Basically, it is a Catholic religious order, which does not have any land or country of its own, but it has the status of a sovereign entity. It is being told that this organization is also involved in the United Nations (UN) as an observer and has diplomatic relations with more than 100 countries of the world.
According to local experts, getting this passport depends on what position you hold in the organization. It is issued primarily to the Grand Master, Council members and heads of diplomatic missions. Since it is not a common citizen passport, its number remains very limited.
The biggest feature of this special passport is its ‘diplomatic power’. Its holder gets the same facilities and respect in many countries that is given to the ambassador of a big country. The main work of this organization is to provide humanitarian aid around the world and help the sick and poor. This is the reason that during war or disaster, people with this passport are allowed to cross the borders without any hindrance.
Interestingly, this institution also has its own currency and stamps, even though it has no fixed geography to rule. However, it is also true that there are some countries which do not recognize this passport, but its credibility and influence at the global level is no less than that of any powerful country.
This passport is not just a means of traveling abroad, but it is a symbol of a mission. Its holders work in setting up medical camps in different corners of the world, helping refugees and delivering relief material during natural disasters. It is being told that at present this organization is active in many parts of Europe, Africa and South America.
In conclusion, this passport is the recognition of those people who have dedicated their lives to humanity. Its number being limited to only 500 makes it the most exclusive and precious document in the world. So the next time you talk about the power of passports, remember these 500 ‘super-diplomats’ of Malta.
