Japan’s passport is the 2021 world’s most powerful, according to the Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday.

The Asian giant retains the top spot for the fourth year in a row with easy entry into 193 destinations, up from 191 in 2020.

Henley & Partners says the index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

“With the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics just weeks away, and the country in a ‘quasi’ state of emergency, Japan nonetheless retains its hold”, a statement read.

The travel documents are rated according to the number of destinations the holders can access without a prior visa.

A total of 27 countries currently share the top 10 positions. Nigeria’s passport is ranked 101 – with access to 46 nations – dropping from 97 in 2020.

The report said while some progress was made between January to March 2021, international mobility restored to just 12 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels in the same period in 2019.

Although European passports consistently made the top ten in the index’s 16-year history, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea now lead.

Singapore remains in 2nd place, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192; South Korea continues to share joint-3rd place with Germany, each with a score of 191.

Like in 2020, the United Kingdom and the United States share joint-7th place on the index (score of score), a steady decline since they held the top spot in 2014.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, said it is uncertain how long travel restrictions will remain in place, but it is apparent that global mobility will be hampered throughout 2021.

“In many countries, serious doubts have arisen as to the ability to handle a global crisis, with the subsequent embrace of more inward-looking priorities.

“Increasing deglobalization will no doubt have profound consequences, among them further damage to the world’s economy, a significant reduction in global mobility, and restrictions on people’s freedom to make the best choices for their families and their businesses,” he said.

Kaelin added that people’s need to expand their residence and passport options is clearer than ever.

Rank and number of accessible countries of the world’s top ten passports:

1. Japan – 193

2. Singapore – 192

3. South Korea – 191

3. Germany – 191

4. Italy – 190

4. Finland – 190

4. Spain – 190

4. Luxembourg – 190

5. Denmark – 189

5. Austria – 189

6. Sweden – 188

6. France – 188

6. Portugal – 188

6. Netherlands – 188

6. Ireland – 188

7. Switzerland – 187

7. United States – 187

7. United Kingdom – 187

7. Belgium – 187

7. New Zealand – 187

8. Norway – 186

8. Greece – 186

8. Malta – 186

8. Czech Republic – 186

9. Canada – 185

9. Australia – 185

10. Hungary – 184

_______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. _______________________________________________________________________

“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof

Two leading books on electronic evidence by Hon. Justice Professor Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, Rtd., PhD, FICMC, are now available for purchase. The publications, Electronic Evidence (Second Edition), With The Evidence Act, 2011 and Compendium Of Cases On Electronic Evidence, Volume II, 2020–2025, provide practical guidance, legal analysis and recent judicial authorities on electronic evidence in Nigeria.Order directly from the author here: https://velvety-cendol-7387ed.netlify.app/ ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ________________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________