Two days after a memo from Vanuatu’s Citizenship Office appeared to bar Russian and Sudanese nationals from the country’s citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, the Citizenship Commission has retracted it in full. Chairman Charlie Maniel, in a follow-up memo dated March 11 and copied to Prime Minister Jotham Napat, confirmed that the original notice “was released in error.”
“Following an internal review, the Commission confirms that there have been no additions to the list of restricted or sanctioned countries applicable to the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programs,” the clarification states.
The original memo, signed on March 9 by Jack Kanas, Manager of Compliance and Due Diligence, had instructed all designated agents that Russia and Sudan were being added to Vanuatu’s restricted nationalities list.
That instruction prompted immediate speculation across the investment migration market about Vanuatu’s motives and the potential revenue impact of losing Russian applicants, a demographic that had grown in importance since Caribbean programs banned them in 2023.
Maniel’s memo dispels that reading entirely. “The Republic of Vanuatu continues to welcome qualified applicants from both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Sudan to apply under its Citizenship by Investment programs,” it reads, “subject to the standard and rigorous due diligence processes conducted by the relevant authorities.”
Investigation Underway
An internal investigation is now underway. Maniel wrote that the review will “determine how this clerical error occurred” and that safeguards will be put in place “to prevent a similar situation in the future.”
His apology was direct. “The Commission sincerely apologises to all agents and stakeholders for any confusion this communication may have caused,” Maniel wrote, adding that the Commission “appreciates your continued cooperation in supporting the integrity and reputation of Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment programs.”
Daniel Agius, Managing Director at VIMB Services Limited (vimb.org), said the rapid correction was reassuring. “The memo misstep was unfortunate, but the swift clarification restored certainty and reinforces the government’s focus on transparency, strong due diligence, and long-term program integrity,” Agius observed.
Having worked closely with the program for years, he added that “Vanuatu’s commitment to a stable, well-regulated citizenship program remains clear.”
