Vanuatu Covid-19 News

With the Covid-19 pandemic ongoing, Vanuatu is in a difficult situation as tourism is a significant source of revenue. As such, the government must decide between maintaining strict quarantine measures and reactivating the economy. To date, Vanuatu has a low Covid-19 infection rate, and only one person is reported to have died from the virus. Unfortunately, the government’s resources have been stretched to the limits, and only about 10% of the population has been fully vaccinated. While rates have improved, it will be some time before a majority of the population is able to be vaccinated. 

However, it is not all bad news as the country has made strides in diversifying its economy. Recently, there has been a renewed focus on exporting products like copra, kava, beef, cacao, coffee, and spices. With fertile farmland and excellent weather, Vanuatu is in an ideal position to capitalize and, in time, reactive its tourism industry.

Climate Change Topic in Vanuatu

In light of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Vanuatu, is among a group of nations that has a lot to lose. Over the last few decades, it has become increasingly evident that human activity is a contributing factor to climate change, from extreme droughts to torrential flooding and rising temperatures to more powerful (and frequent) natural disasters. 

However, climate change also threatens the survival of small island nations like Vanuatu, and it is still struggling to recover from tropical cyclone Pam that devastated the country in 2015. At the same time, similar events have become more common, and adding to it is the ongoing issue of rising sea levels. 

With the COP26 getting underway, Vanuatu is at the center of the debate regarding climate change as their very existence and livelihood are dependent on the decisions that will be made at this conference. Likewise, they are at the mercy of the world’s developed nations as their contribution to greenhouse gases is minuscule, yet they are directly affected by pollution generated thousands of miles away. While it is difficult to say if the COP summit will lead to meaningful results (and commitments) to reduce our environmental impact, we can hope that it does. 

At the same time, Vanuatu has brought a case before the International Court of Justice on whether nations have a responsibility to reign in their greenhouse gases and do more to prevent them from harming other countries. It will be interesting to see how the court decides, although it should be noted there is little it can do to enforce its judgment even if it rules in Vanuatu’s favor. However, at the very least, it brings some light to the problem countries like this face, and it is a step in the right direction. 

With that said, we are all in this together, and climate change affects all nations, developing and developed, although the latter has more resources to deal with the adverse effects.

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Vanuatu’s Passports and Citizenship News

When it comes to citizenship and passport programs, Vanuatu’s is one of the most attractive in the world. Not to mention, there is no requirement to visit the country, and a passport can be obtained in as little as eight weeks. However, in light of the Pandora Papers, citizenship by investment (CBI) programs has come under intense scrutiny. While obtaining a second passport is not illegal, and there are many legitimate reasons one may wish to have one, the idea of citizenship for sale has become hotly debated. 

It should be noted that many countries offer CBI programs, and they are not illegal. Likewise, the same can be said for having a business or assets in a low-tax jurisdiction, although citizens may be required to report them to their home country. However, the recent news of the Pandora Papers has brought more attention to CBI, and it is important to mention that Vanuatu’s CBI program is not a free-for-all as is sometimes claimed in the media. Not to mention, it is more than simply submitting your application, paying the fees, and picking up your passport. 

Like most countries with CBI, Vanuatu performs due diligence checks that include (but are not limited to) verifying if individuals are under international sanctions, wanted fugitives, and applicants must prove the source of their funds or income. Likewise, citizenship can be revoked if it is later discovered that the person is subject to sanctions.

Moving forward, Vanuatu’s CBI faces an uncertain future, although, like many countries that offer them, it is unlikely these programs will be canceled as they represent a sizable source of income. However, there may be some changes and more stringent background checks as the US and the European Union may pressure Vanuatu. Keeping that in mind, we will report any changes to Vanuatu’s CBI program.

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