Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat addressed Parliament on Friday regarding an amendment to the Citizenship Act, which seeks to ensure the Citizenship Programme’s independence from political influence. Napat highlighted concerns over previous political interference in the decisions of the Citizenship Office, asserting that the amendment is essential for maintaining the integrity of the program.
During the extraordinary meeting, he stated, “While government maintains overall policy direction, the citizenship programme must be independent. Recently, some members of this honourable house have threatened staff of the Citizenship Programme, and that’s why we want this amendment — to ensure no political interference.” The Citizenship Amendment Act No. of 2025 was approved with a significant majority, receiving 36 votes in favor and 10 abstentions from the opposition.
Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau expressed support for the amendment’s intention but raised concerns about remaining areas where the Prime Minister might still exert influence over decisions. He suggested that a clearer framework is needed to guarantee true independence for the Citizenship Office.
Additionally, other members of Parliament, including Allan Liki, a former Secretary General of the Citizenship Commission, acknowledged the need to reduce political interference and suggested that further policy reforms would enhance the program’s effectiveness. The Citizenship Programme stands as one of Vanuatu’s major revenue sources, reportedly raising approximately 14 billion vatu (around US$115 million) within the first eight months of the year, far exceeding its annual target.
Prime Minister Napat emphasized that the success of the Citizenship Programme demonstrates its importance to Vanuatu’s economic stability. He outlined that the newly passed amendments aim to increase transparency and safeguard the country’s reputation, particularly by preventing individuals with criminal backgrounds from obtaining citizenship. In light of recent scrutiny, all application agents will now be required to register and adhere to stricter protocols.
Concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of investments made under the Capital Investment Immigration Program (CIIP). Napat questioned the progress of promised developments funded by the CIIP during the groundbreaking of the New Town Subdivision Project on Efate, stating that while there have been multiple announcements of investments, tangible results have not materialized. He expressed skepticism about the whereabouts of the funds, which are supposed to benefit the government and community.
This current wave of reforms and scrutiny of the Citizenship Programme indicates Vanuatu’s commitment to enhancing its global standing and ensuring responsible governance. The ongoing discussions and amendments reflect a collective effort to secure a brighter future for Vanuatu, aligning with international standards and fostering genuine investments that contribute positively to the local economy.
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