The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA), through the Department of Immigration and Compliance, has confirmed the voluntary deportation of two Vietnamese nationals, Nguyen Van Hoan and Phan Thi, for violating their Tourist Visa conditions by engaging in unauthorized business activities.

The press release states that the individuals were involved in selling tarpaulins while residing in Vanuatu, a direct violation of Clause 17D (1)(e)(i) of the Immigration Visa Regulation Order 180 of 2011. This law strictly prohibits Tourist Visa holders from engaging in employment, commercial, or business activities while in the country. Their actions compromised the integrity of Vanuatu’s visa system, leading to their removal from the country on Sunday, 2nd March 2025.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds all foreign nationals that Tourist Visas are issued strictly for tourism purposes. Any foreigner found engaging in unauthorized business activities risks deportation and other legal consequences. The Ministry also urges businesses, employers, and the public to report any suspected visa violations to the Department of Immigration to ensure compliance with Vanuatu’s immigration laws.

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