The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is still open for investment despite the suspension of CIIP (Capital investment immigration program). The other three investment routes DSP, VCP and REO remain open and still accepting applications. The CIIP is a cheaper version requiring $100,000 non-refundable, channeled to key sectors of the economy.
The Vanuatu Government, through the Citizenship Commission, has suspended all new applications under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) until further notice. CIIP programmes have attracted over 2,000 applicants, generating more than VT10 billion in investments. The program has come to international scrutiny after Vanuatu cancelled passports of two chinese and indian national wanted by authorities and news of looming US travel ban. All applications have been suspended.
Vanuatu government will be drafting new passport regulations with the attorney general office and will be announced by the Prime Minister.
“Vanuatu will not harbour fugitives or criminals”
– PM Napat
The European Commission and United Kingdom has revoked visa waiver agreement with Vanuatu citizens over security risks posed by Vanuatu passport scheme, discussions are still ongoing to reinstate the visa free access. The loss of visa waivers has trigged a steep fall in citizenship revenues have fallen 60 percent below the authorities’ 2024 target (IMF)
President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (E.O.) 14161, ‘Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,’ has called for maximum vetting of nationals of third countries with history of poor security checks, who seek a visa to enter United States or already in the country. The US embassy has said, the visa adjudication process must ensure that U.S.-bound foreign travellers do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The EU has critized Vanuatu for granting citizenship with no genuine link and admitting Russian nationals under EU sanctions.
The Vanuatu government has launched an an investigation into passport agents facilitating citizenship by investment applications from criminals and wanted individuals, and have been warned they have their licenses reviewed and revoked, and criminals bypassing due diligence will have their passports cancelled.
The Prime Minister of Vanuatu Jotham Napat, made it clear that Vanuatu will not harbour criminals.
“Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must provide legitimate reasons for citizenship.”
– Prime Minister Napat
