The measure, announced on Wednesday, reverses a restriction that had been in place since 2016 and affects hundreds of thousands of permit holders.

Defending the decision, De la Espriella argued that law-abiding Colombians should have the ability to protect themselves when criminals are illegally armed.

"It is unacceptable that criminals are armed to the teeth and decent people cannot defend themselves," De la Espriella said, arguing that "99.9 of crimes committed with weapons are committed with unlicensed weapons, with illegal weapons."

The change allows people who already hold valid permits to legally carry their firearms again.

The decision is likely to renew debate in Colombia over gun policy and whether allowing more legally held firearms to be carried will improve public safety.