IS THERE ANY COMEBACK FOR VANUATU GOLDEN PASSPORT PROGRAM
Is There Any Comeback For Vanuatu
Golden Passport Program

Status Of The Program
- the extremely low rejection rate, which raises doubts as to the reliability of the security and due diligence screening
- the absence of physical presence or residence requirements, short processing periods and a lack of information exchange with applicants’ countries of origin or residence
- the granting of citizenship to applicants listed in Interpol databases
- the nationalities of origin of successful applicants, which include several countries whose nationals require a visa to enter the EU
Vanuatu & Eu Clash
In 2015, the EU granted Vanuatu citizens visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Two years later, the small Oceania island-nation introduced its golden passport scheme which the EU eventually deemed as a gateway for illicit activities and individuals. It appears that one of the major reasons which propelled Vanuatu’s ambitions to secure Visa-Free Status to the Schengen Area was to bolster its already planned Citizenship by Investment Program. The EU lamented the fact and voiced serious concerns over Vanuatu’s low rejection rate and the granting of its passport to individuals listed in Interpol databases, among other concerns.
The situation led to escalating tensions between both sides, leading the EU to issue several warnings to the Vanuatu Government to scale down its program and apply tighter due-diligence investigation and checks particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A partial suspension of the visa-waiver agreement was ordered by the EU in May of 2022, and Vanuatu’s failure to take prompt action led the union in November 2022 to go ahead with a full suspension of the visa-waiver agreement.
Vanuatu Needs The Eu
So far, the requirements of the EU commission are :
- Strengthening the due diligence and screening process of prospective applicants,
- Abolishing the easy name change possibility,
- Strengthening the security of the passport booklet, no surprises there.
Vanuatu And Potential Investors
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Vanuatu passport, keep in touch and consult our WhinChester Golden Passport Consultants.
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