The Maldives has jumped nine ranks in the Henley Passport Index to secure the South Asian region’s most powerful passport spot for the fourth consecutive year.
As per the Henley Passport Index, which reviews the visa-free access of passports to different countries, the Maldives is now ranked 52nd globally, which is a significant improvement from its 61st spot last year.
This jump also puts the Maldives seven ranks ahead of China, which is now in the 59th position.
Maldivian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry into 94 countries.
While the Maldives is currently first ranked in the South Asian region, India holds the second-highest rank on the global passport index, positioned at 82nd. Bhutan is third and ranked 87th globally, with Sri Lanka following in the fourth spot, ranked 93rd globally.
Bangladesh and Nepal are ranked 97th and 98th, respectively, while Pakistan is in the 100th position.
Globally, Singapore has surpassed Japan to claim the title of the world’s most powerful passport, allowing entry into 195 countries without a visa.