Vanuatu’s Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau is set to file a police complaint regarding the alleged improper issuance of diplomatic passports to Han Hans YQ, who serves as the Special Envoy for Trade and Investment in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. This complaint revolves around Han’s appointment by a former Foreign Affairs Minister on January 18, 2023, which Kalsakau claims breaches the Vanuatu Constitution and the Diplomatic Services Act, both of which govern the legal requirements for diplomatic positions and associated passports.
Kalsakau has accused some government leaders of deliberately bypassing the due diligence process, suggesting that they engaged in abuse of power by issuing the diplomatic passports. He emphasized that these actions threaten the regulatory framework and the foundational principles of justice in Vanuatu.
The Opposition Leader has called for a thorough police investigation into the actions of the involved State Ministers to ensure accountability for any illegal or unethical conduct. He has communicated his concerns directly to Prime Minister Jotham Napat in a letter outlining these allegations, including claims that Han utilized three false identities to acquire a Certificate of Honorary Citizenship, which was subsequently leveraged to obtain a diplomatic passport. Han is currently detained at the Shanghai Detention Centre due to related criminal investigations.
Initially scheduled for yesterday, the official handover of the complaint was postponed. The acting Police Commissioner Willie Samuel and Commander South Jackson Noal were present at the National Parliament to receive the complaint, marking a pivotal moment for law enforcement’s involvement.
The situation shares parallels with a recent crackdown in Vanuatu where the government revoked passports from several Chinese nationals for fraudulent acquisition. This reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity within its immigration and passport service protocols, echoing previous actions against individuals involved in criminal activities.
Kalsakau’s call for investigation aims to restore public trust in Vanuatu’s institutions by ensuring adherence to legal processes concerning diplomatic documents. The expected inquiry is likely to disclose the extent of involvement from civil servants and politicians regarding the alleged unlawful distribution of diplomatic passports.
The proactive stance taken by the Opposition in addressing these serious allegations reflects a commitment to upholding national integrity and rule of law. As this investigation unfolds, it presents an opportunity to strengthen the legal framework governing passport issuance in Vanuatu, ultimately enhancing the credibility of the country on the international stage.
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