Colombia seeks judicial approval to use 600,000 passport booklets

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) has requested judicial authorization to use an existing inventory of 600,000 passport booklets to prevent service interruptions. This request follows a provisional suspension by the Administrative Tribunal of Cundinamarca regarding inter-administrative agreements for a new passport model.

The suspension affects agreements involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Printing Office of Colombia, and the Portuguese company Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda. The court's decision stems from a popular action alleging risks to administrative morality and public heritage, specifically questioning the long-term financial planning of agreements that commit public resources through 2036 without explicit approval from the Superior Council of Fiscal Policy (Confis).

To ensure continuity, the Ministry estimates a three-month transition period. The National Printing Office has already ordered the Portuguese firm to temporarily halt shipments. Officials, including Foreign Minister Omar Bula and Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara, stated that the current reserve of booklets should guarantee operational coverage for at least four months.