Switzerland dethrones UAE to become a country with world's 'most powerful passport'

Switzerland became a country with the 'most powerful passport' in the world, dethroning last year's ruler the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Nomad Capitalist issued an annual list of the most powerful passports after analysing 50 countries with categories of visa-free travel 50%, taxation 20%, global perception 10%, ability to hold dual citizenship 10%, and 10% personal freedom (freedom of the press, mandatory military service, etc.). 

In the list, Switzerland claimed the first spot, which was in third position last year.

According to the report, the UAE slipped to a sixth place with countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and New Zealand,

Researchers said, “the decline caused by changes in UAE tax policy that affected domestic and overseas company owners, including residents with foreign company ownership.”

Ireland with a slight corporate tax adjustment secured second place among the world's strongest passwords. 

 “Portugal tied with Ireland in all but personal freedom, emphasizing its steady appeal, while Finland — known for its vast visa-free travel options — now ranks fourth, highlighting the importance of global accessibility,” Nomad stated.

However, Pakistan is in fifth place on the list of the world’s weakest passports in the report. 

In the list of 199 countries with the weakest passports, Pakistan stands on 195, under which green passport holders can enjoy visa-free visits in only 46 countries.

Eritrea, Yemen, Iraq, and Afghanistan secured 196, 197, 198, and 199 places, respectively, in the weakest passport list. 

Moreover, Bangladeshi passport stands at 182, India 147, while Asia’s largest economy China at 120th position in the weakest passport list.