Tuesday 18th March, 2025 – The Government of Vanuatu acknowledges recent media reports regarding the country’s inclusion in a draft U.S. immigration watchlist.
At this stage, the Government has received no formal communication from the U.S. authorities on this matter but expects to engage in discussions in due course.
It is important to note that eight of the countries listed have citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, and that Vanuatu has significantly strengthened its own program over the past years, particularly in due diligence and applicant screening.
Vanuatu maintains a strict list of restricted nationalities that are ineligible to apply for citizenship, ensuring that only applicants who meet stringent security and compliance measures can qualify.
The Government of Vanuatu welcomes feedback from international partners and remains committed to continuously strengthening its citizenship program.
We will carefully consider any recommendations that help align with global best practices while ensuring that the program continues to generate critical revenue for national development. This is particularly important as traditional development assistance declines, requiring Vanuatu to pursue sustainable and responsible revenue streams.
Further announcements will be made by the Prime Minister’s Office as discussions progress.