A big two-week operation by the Vanuatu Government has found many foreign businesses and workers breaking the law in Port Vila and Shefa Province.
The operation involved Immigration, Labour, Port Vila Municipality, Shefa Province, and the Vanuatu Police Force. It was done to protect Vanuatu’s borders, stop illegal business activities, and reduce crime from overseas.
During the checks, officers visited 459 foreign-owned shops and looked at 756 passports. They held 20 passports, and those people must now pay fines to the Immigration Department.
Some key findings from the operation:
- 16 shops were selling alcohol without a license
- 39 shops had expired food
- 74 businesses were fined for selling expired goods, unsafe food, or not having a license to sell alcohol
- 14 businesses had no work permits
- 19 foreigners were found working in shops even though they came as investors or on tourist visas
A total of 56 penalty notices were given for visa and work permit problems. Those fined have 30 days to pay or they may be deported.
Authorities say these fines could bring in over VT 10 million. So far, they have around VT2 million through full and part payments.
The Vanuatu Police Force thanked the 53 officers involved and said more operations like this will happen in the future to keep the country safe and lawfuls.
