Gov’t yet to hear from U.S. on Immigration Watchlist

The government of Vanuatu has not yet received formal notification from U.S. authorities regarding its potential inclusion in a draft U.S. immigration watch list, but anticipates engaging in discussions on the matter in due course.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement this morning, confirming recent media reports on the issue. The statement noted that all eight countries on the list operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, and that Vanuatu has significantly strengthened the management of its own program in recent years, particularly in due diligence and applicant screening.

The PMO emphasized: "Vanuatu maintains a strict restricted nationalities list, prohibiting citizens of countries on that list from applying for citizenship, to ensure that only applicants who meet stringent security and compliance measures are eligible."

The PMO reiterated that the government welcomes feedback from international partners and remains committed to strengthening its citizenship program. "We will carefully consider any recommendations that 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 is decreasing, requiring Vanuatu to seek sustainable and responsible sources of revenue," the PMO added. The Prime Minister's Office stated that further announcements will be issued as discussions progress.