All application fees under Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program will now be paid directly into the Government Treasury, in a move aimed at increasing transparency and reducing corruption.

The change was announced by Chairman of the Citizenship Commission, Charles Maniel, who has introduced a new invoicing system requiring agents to ensure that all applicant payments go straight to the Ministry of Finance.

This new process is designed to address long-standing concerns about missing funds and lack of accountability within the Citizenship Program.

According to the Citizenship Commission, the updated payment method will prevent cases where citizenship passports are sold, but the agents do not see any tangible investment from the process reaching government accounts. It aims to ensure that every vatu earned through the program supports national development.

Chairman Maniel has officially notified all authorized agents of the change and urged full compliance as part of wider reforms to rebuild trust in the Citizenship Program.