PORT VILA, Thursday 25th March, 2025 – The Office of the Citizenship Commission has moved swiftly to address gaps within its Citizenship by Investment Program, by tightening loopholes that may have been the likely source of corruption and abuse by individuals over the years – seriously undermining the government’s citizenship programs.

The new Citizenship Commission under its new Chairman Charles Maniel, has written to all designated agents – advising them of new invoicing processes, integrated directly with the Ministry of Finance and the treasury department – enabling a streamlined invoicing process where all application fees are directly deposited into the government treasury.

The new process, however obvious it may seem, was never corrected by former leaders and stewards of the program. The new process significantly reduces chances for abuse – where corrupt elements within the system easily short-changed the national government – seriously tarnishing the reputation of the program.

Chairman of the Citizenship Commission, Mr. Maniel, advises that the new payment process takes effect immediately and represents a significant enhancement to operational procedures – strengthening the financial governance of the program.

The key features of the new integrated payment system include:

• Automated invoicing
• Standardised payment; and
• Enhanced compliance

Implementation of the new system fulfils the Commission’s obligation to maintain the integrity of Vanuatu’s citizenship programs.

“It also aligns our financial procedures with international best practices, and strengthens the reputation of the program,” says Mr. Maniel in his letter issued today.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has congratulated the new Chairman for acting swiftly and urges all agents to comply forthwith.