The Government of Vanuatu has issued a stern warning to agents under the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP): meet the investment requirements or face licence termination.

Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat confirmed that agents were given until Friday, April 4, to submit receipts, reports, and evidence of investments made from the proceeds of passport sales. So far, he said, no tangible or concrete investments have been delivered.

“The agreement between the Government and the agents was for part of the proceeds from the sale of passports to be invested in sectors like coffee, cocoa, kava, tourism, and fisheries,” PM Napat stated. “If agents fail to meet these requirements, not only will their licences be suspended—we will terminate them.”

He added that agents must now show proof of current or planned investments or be held accountable for funds meant for national development.

As part of ongoing reforms, the Citizenship Commission—under new Chairman Charles Maniel—has announced changes to ensure transparency. All application fees must now be paid directly into the Government Treasury through the Ministry of Finance.

The new payment system is intended to reduce corruption and close gaps in the program that previously allowed for sales of citizenship without any clear benefit to the country.

“The goal is to make sure every vatu earned under CIP translates into real benefits for Vanuatu,” the Commission said in a statement.