Vanuatu, an archipelagic nation in the South Pacific, operates an economic citizenship scheme known as the Development Support Program (DSP). Established in the late 1990s, the program allows foreign nationals to acquire full Vanuatu citizenship through a minimum investment of US $130,000 (approximately AU $201,000). Proponents argue the scheme generates much-needed revenue for one of the world’s smallest economies, funding public services, infrastructure projects, and pandemic recovery efforts. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the DSP contributed nearly 9 percent of Vanuatu’s government revenue in 2024—albeit a drop from a peak of 33 percent in 2020, when travel restrictions led more applicants to seek expedited citizenship.
However, the program’s success in generating income has attracted its share of critics. Over the past three years, investigative reports and international media outlets have raised concerns about individuals of questionable backgrounds securing Vanuatu passports—so-called “golden passports”—to evade foreign legal systems, bolster travel freedom, or conceal their identities. These revelations have prompted visa-waiver suspensions by the European Union and the United Kingdom, both citing “clear and evident abuse” of the DSP. In April 2025, Vanuatu’s new prime minister, Jotham Napat, pledged to reform the program, citing a need to restore “confidence and credibility” to Vanuatu’s travel documents.
The Tate Revelation: How a Viral Investigation Uncovered a High-Profile Beneficiary
On June 1, 2025, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) published an exposé indicating that British-American influencer and convicted martial artist Andrew Tate had obtained Vanuatu citizenship through the DSP in December 2022—the same month he was arrested in Romania on charges of rape, human trafficking, and organizing a criminal gang to exploit women. Tate, who describes himself online as a self-help guru and “professional misogynist,” has courted controversy throughout his career, attracting millions of social media followers with statements widely derided as sexist, violent, and extremist. His brother Tristan Tate, charged alongside him, does not appear to have applied for or received Vanuatu citizenship.
The OCCRP investigation combined leaked internal DSP records with public registry data, matching Andrew Tate’s legal name, Emory Andrew Tate, to a passport issued by Vanuatu’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. In correspondence to the ABC News, OCCRP’s lead editor for the Pacific, Aubrey Belford, explained that the investigation arose from a broader inquiry into Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment scheme. “We came across Andrew Tate’s name in Vanuatu’s citizenship registry and worked to confirm it was the same Andrew Tate known for his online persona and pending criminal charges,” Belford said. According to OCCRP, Tate’s application was fast-tracked, raising questions about whether due diligence processes had been overlooked or impaired by political influence.
Vanuatu’s Official Response: Review and Potential Revocation
Within 24 hours of informal press inquiries, Vanuatu government spokesperson Kiery Manassah acknowledged the matter and pledged a thorough investigation. “We are looking into it, and once we have the relevant files, the proper processes will be in place to revoke his citizenship,” Manassah told the ABC. He emphasized that the Vanuatu government did not seek to encourage “people of questionable backgrounds to be granted citizenship” and clarified that applicants wanted by foreign authorities or currently under investigation should not qualify for the DSP. Manassah described Tate’s case as a “lapse” in due process and noted that the government intends to tighten screening measures, close existing loopholes, and restore confidence amongst Vanuatu’s international partners.
Manassah also underscored the broader economic context: “Vanuatu has benefited from the DSP, but it must be managed responsibly. We need to ensure that our citizenship remains a symbol of trust and integrity.” He confirmed that the Cabinet has already convened to review all DSP applications from 2022 to 2024, with a particular focus on individuals who have pending criminal proceedings abroad. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reportedly placed a temporary freeze on the issuance of new passports pending structural reforms to the background-check process, slated to include mandatory Interpol checks, expanded vetting by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and third-party due-diligence reports.
Legal Grounds for Citizenship Revocation
Under Vanuatu’s Citizenship Act (Cap. 112), citizenship may be revoked if obtained by deception, fraud, or if the individual’s conduct is “serious and detrimental to the interests of Vanuatu.” Specific grounds include:
- Convictions for serious criminal offenses carrying imprisonment of five years or more;
- Proven misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material information during the application process;
- Acts of disloyalty, treason, or terrorism.
Given that Andrew Tate faces allegations of rape, human trafficking, and managing a criminal enterprise—accusations vigorously denied by Tate—Vanuatu’s legal advisors suggest those charges alone may satisfy the “serious and detrimental” criterion. While Tate has not been convicted in Romania or the United Kingdom as of June 2025, the mere existence of well-documented indictments could be sufficient to trigger revocation procedures.
Attorney General Jane Pitman, in an explanatory memorandum to Cabinet, emphasized that Vanuatu’s dual-track standard allows revocation based on credible evidence—even absent final conviction—if the applicant’s continued citizenship could “bring disrepute to the nation’s international standing.” Vanuatu has historically acted swiftly in similar cases; for example, in early 2024, citizenship was rescinded from a former Cambodian official under UN sanctions for corruption. The Tate matter, however, carries additional geopolitical sensitivity given Tate’s high profile and vocal criticism of gender equality initiatives—stances that many Vanuatu civil society organizations deem antithetical to local values.
Civil Society Reactions: Ensuring Thorough Vetting
Jane Iatika, president of the Port Vila Council of Women, publicly condemned the granting of citizenship to Andrew Tate. “Men with reputations like his do not belong in Vanuatu,” Iatika declared in an interview with the ABC. “If we allow such individuals to hold Vanuatu passports, we send the wrong message to our youth and risk normalizing behavior that demeans women.” Iatika urged immediate suspension of Tate’s citizenship and demanded comprehensive reforms to the DSP’s background-check procedure.
Local women’s rights groups, including the Vanuatu Association of Women and the Vanuatu Women Lawyers Association, echoed Iatika’s concerns. They submitted a petition to Prime Minister Jotham Napat, calling for DSP reforms such as:
- Mandatory In-Person Interviews: Applicants must travel to Port Vila or Luganville for face-to-face vetting by a mixed-gender panel;
- Expanded Character References: Requiring at least three referees (including local business or community leaders) who can attest to the applicant’s moral standing;
- Extended Cooling-Off Period: Instituting a 60-day waiting period between initial approval and final issuance of citizenship to allow time for legal challenges or new evidence.
Political Implications: Strained Relations with the UK and EU
Vanuatu’s golden passport program has already attracted stern warnings from international partners. In 2023, the United Kingdom revoked visa-free access for Vanuatu passport holders, citing “evident abuse” of the scheme by individuals deemed to threaten UK security. Similarly, the European Union curtailed Vanuatu’s Schengen access, insisting on stricter due diligence and tighter collaboration with Europol. Observers note that Tate’s case presents a fresh diplomatic challenge: the United States and United Kingdom, both well heeled allies in the Indo-Pacific, have watched the revelations with consternation. US and UK embassy officials in Port Vila have privately communicated their anxieties to Vanuatu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that continued scandals could jeopardize broader bilateral cooperation on security and climate resilience.
Opposition Leader Charlot Salwai, in a newspaper editorial, criticized the government for prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term national security. “We cannot remain a safe haven for those who evade justice,” Salwai argued. “Our sovereignty is at stake if we become known as the ‘passport of convenience’ for criminals and oligarchs.” In contrast, Minister of Finance Willie Jimmy defended the DSP’s initial intent, stressing that reforms would preserve its economic benefits while balancing national security needs.
Global Precedents: Lessons from Comparable Programs
Vanuatu is not alone in offering citizenship-by-investment. Caribbean nations such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Grenada have operated similar schemes for decades. In 2014, Malta introduced a “Global Residence Program” later rebranded as the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP). While MIIP was lucrative—raising over €1 billion between 2014 and 2020—it faced repeated scrutiny after oligarchs and Russian nationals obtained passports. The United Kingdom, responding to concerns that MIIP facilitators did not adequately vet applicants, ultimately suspended the program in 2020.
In Europe, Cyprus once offered a citizenship-by-investment scheme that sold passports to high-net-worth individuals in exchange for €2 million investments. The EU forced Cyprus to cancel the program in 2020 after multiple recipients were linked to financial misconduct. These precedents underscore that failure to implement robust due-diligence measures can lead to international sanctions, reputational damage, and eventual collapse of investment-for-passport programs.
Analysts studying these case studies recommend that Vanuatu adopt the following guardrails:
- Intergovernmental Exchange of Information: Formalize data-sharing agreements with Interpol, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and partner visa-waiver states;
- Periodic Post-Grant Monitoring: Introduce annual reviews of high-risk passport holders to verify ongoing compliance with local laws and international sanctions lists;
- Suspension Protocol: Immediately suspend rights—such as voting and diplomatic passport usage—for applicants under criminal investigation abroad until cleared.
Economic vs. Security Trade-Offs: Balancing Revenue and Risk
For small island economies like Vanuatu, foreign direct investment (FDI) is crucial. The DSP has financed critical infrastructure projects: road networks on Efate Island, rural electrification in Tanna Province, and coastal stormwater management in Port Vila—projects that might not have found alternative funding. Vanuatu’s tourism sector, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and cyclones, also benefits indirectly as improved infrastructure attracts international visitors. According to the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA), DSP revenues funded nearly 30 percent of the annual budget for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities in 2024.
Yet, mounting security concerns threaten to erase these gains. Should visa-waiver partners cease or further restrict Vanuatu visitors, tourism—Vanuatu’s second-largest GDP sector—could contract. Additionally, if the DSP continues unchecked, private banks and international remittance firms might label Vanuatu as “high-risk,” imposing stricter know-your-customer (KYC) procedures and higher transaction fees on local businesses. This financial exclusion would hamper commercial activities and potentially raise borrowing costs for municipalities.
Economist Lionel Wate, a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific’s Vanuatu campus, estimates that a 20 percent decline in DSP enrollment—triggered by scandals—could reduce government revenues by AU $30 million annually. “For a country with a GDP of only AU $1.2 billion, losing that level of revenue would force painful budget cuts,” Wate warns. He advises the government to diversify FDI channels—call for international renewable energy projects, offshore financial services, and niche tourism ventures—to offset any DSP downturn.
Prime Minister Napat’s Reform Agenda
Since taking office in February 2025, Prime Minister Jotham Napat has outlined a six-point plan to overhaul the DSP:
- Expanded Background Checks: Engage third-party international due-diligence firms and require mandatory Interpol alerts for all applicants;
- Minimum Investment Adjustments: Raise the threshold from US $130,000 to US $200,000, tying it to a tiered benefits structure—higher contributions yield additional privileges such as real estate purchase rights;
- Residency Requirements: Require two months of physical residency per year for five consecutive years before naturalization becomes irrevocable;
- Transparency Portal: Create a publicly accessible online database (with redacted personal information) to track DSP applications, approvals, and revocations;
- Annual Compliance Audits: Contract an independent audit firm to produce yearly reports on DSP efficacy, comparing revenue inflows with security lapses;
- Enhanced Parliamentary Oversight: Establish a bipartisan DSP oversight committee within the Vanuatu Parliament, empowered to hold quarterly hearings with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and FIU.
During a May 2025 speech to Parliament, Prime Minister Napat stated that these reforms aim to “preserve the DSP’s economic benefits while safeguarding Vanuatu’s international reputation.” He described the Tate revelation as a wake-up call, insisting that “no foreign money is worth jeopardizing our sovereignty or endangering global security.”
International Reactions: Allies, Neighbors, and Observers
Several of Vanuatu’s diplomatic partners have already expressed cautious approval of the government’s stated intent to strengthen the DSP. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement affirming its willingness to assist Vanuatu in implementing “best-practice due diligence” procedures. Canberra has also promised technical support for upgrading Vanuatu’s passport-printing facilities to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) biometric standards—an upgrade that will help prevent passport fraud and counterfeiting.
The United States Embassy in Port Vila, while declining detailed comment on Tate’s specific case, lauded Vanuatu’s broader reform agenda. In a press release, US Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth Molhoek wrote: “We welcome Vanuatu’s commitment to ensuring that its citizenship-by-investment program is administered in a manner consistent with international norms and security obligations. The United States remains ready to assist through capacity-building, training, and shared intelligence to combat transnational crime.”
Neighboring Pacific Island nations monitor Vanuatu’s unfolding saga with interest. Fiji, for instance, has recently considered its own economic citizenship pilot, though Parliament has yet to grant final approval. Fijian officials emphasize that “our program must avoid the pitfalls seen elsewhere,” particularly after seeing Vanuatu’s difficulties in balancing economic needs with security. Papua New Guinea, which restarted its citizenship-by-investment program in 2023, also faces pressure from development partners to adopt rigorous background checks—an approach inspired by Vanuatu’s emerging reforms.
Andrew Tate’s Response: Denial and Legal Posturing
As of early June 2025, Andrew Tate has neither publicly confirmed nor denied possessing a Vanuatu passport. His lawyer, British barrister Robert Spooner, issued a brief statement to the press: “Mr Tate categorically denies any wrongdoing in relation to his citizenship application and will cooperate with any lawful request from Vanuatu authorities. The SDP application process was conducted according to all applicable laws in effect at the time. We will review any evidence presented by Vanuatu and respond appropriately.” Spooner added that the legal team was “prepared to challenge any revocation on procedural or contractual grounds.”
Tate’s public persona on social media remains confrontational: his Instagram account features cryptic taunts directed at critics, but he has not explicitly addressed the Vanuatu affair. Social media commentators note that if Vanuatu proceeds with revocation, Tate could appeal through Vanuatu’s courts, followed by recourse to the Supreme Court of Vanuatu, and—ultimately—an international arbitration tribunal if the matter involves breach of bilateral investment treaties. However, civil society legal experts caution that such appeals would be costly and time-consuming, potentially overshadowing Vanuatu’s limited administrative capacity.
Broader Implications: Citizenship-by-Investment in a Global Context
The Andrew Tate case casts a harsh spotlight on the broader phenomenon of “golden passports” and “golden visas”—investment-for-residency programs offered by several jurisdictions globally. Small states often deploy these schemes to attract foreign capital, boost real estate markets, and promote tourism. Yet as international security concerns mount—particularly around money laundering, tax evasion, and transnational criminal networks—donor nations and global bodies are increasingly calling for standardized safeguards.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in a mid-2024 assessment, mandated that all member states implement enhanced due-diligence on high-net-worth individuals and real-estate transactions. The OECD’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes similarly recommended stricter reporting rules for citizenship-by-investment recipients. Should Vanuatu fail to comply with these evolving international benchmarks, it risks further isolation: future visa restrictions by the United States, Canada, or Australia could be imposed, undermining the principal attraction of its passports.
Civil Society’s Role: Monitoring and Accountability
In Vanuatu, civil society organizations have formed an informal coalition—the Vanuatu Accountability for Citizenship Group (VACG)—to monitor the DSP and advocate for transparency. VACG members include representatives from the Port Vila Council of Women, the Vanuatu Council of Chiefs, the Vanuatu Chambers of Commerce & Industry, and independent journalists. During a May 2025 press briefing, VACG coordinator Mary Natapu demanded quarterly public briefings on DSP revenues, a redaction-compliant applicant registry, and an annual “citizenship integrity index” rating each economic citizenship applicant’s risk profile.
Natapu argued that, “By involving civil society in independent oversight, Vanuatu can demonstrate genuine reform and ensure that citizenship is not commodified at the expense of national values.” She also called upon foreign embassies accredited to Vanuatu to institute regular stakeholder consultations—an approach designed to align the DSP with regional counter-trafficking and anti-corruption protocols.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Reformed, Sustainable Citizenship
Prime Minister Napat has set a tight timetable: by September 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs must present draft legislation to Parliament, codifying the DSP reforms. Key measures slated for inclusion are:
- Interim Moratorium: A six-month suspension of new applications beginning July 1, 2025;
- Expanded Vetting: Mandatory fingerprint submission to INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database, enhanced background checks through the United Nations Security Council Consolidated List, and consultative clearance from partner governments.
- Post-Grant Review Committees: Establishment of an “Advisory Council for Citizenship Integrity,” comprising legal experts, law enforcement liaisons, and civil society representatives, to review all revocation petitions and recommend action within 90 days.
- Residency Obligation Adjustment: Extending the zero-residency option from two to five years before naturalization becomes irrevocable, thus ensuring greater applicant accountability.
Finance Minister Willie Jimmy has proposed complementary measures to diversify Vanuatu’s revenue streams—investing DSP proceeds into renewable energy projects on Efate and rural microfinance programs for women entrepreneurs. “Reducing reliance on immediate cash injections from citizenship sales is essential,” Jimmy stated in a May 2025 budget address. “We need sustainable, job-creating investments to drive long-term growth.”
International Observers Remain Watchful
Global watchdogs, including Transparency International and the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium (GACC), have pledged to monitor Vanuatu’s reforms. In a joint statement, they welcomed the government’s “comprehensive approach” but cautioned that “implementation is key.” They intend to publish a yearly “Passport Integrity Scorecard,” ranking DSP programs worldwide according to due diligence quality, transparency, and human rights considerations.
Meanwhile, embassy officials from the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and United States have signaled continued engagement. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stated, “We encourage Vanuatu to adopt international best practices. A credible DSP benefits not only Vanuatu, but regional stability and security.” The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has offered technical assistance for anti-money laundering (AML) training, while the World Bank indicated potential funding for capacity-building in Vanuatu’s FIU.
Conclusion: Balancing Economic Necessity with National Integrity
The case of Andrew Tate’s Vanuatu passport epitomizes the delicate balance small nations must strike between economic opportunity and safeguarding national security. For Vanuatu, a country of just 300,000 residents dispersed across 83 islands, the DSP remains a tempting source of foreign capital. Yet the reputational costs—vis-a-vis allies, visa-waiver partners, and domestic stakeholders—threaten to outweigh immediate gains.
As of early June 2025, Vanuatu stands at a crossroads. The government’s decisive commitment to reforming its citizenship-by-investment program offers a chance to redeem the DSP’s tarnished image. But success hinges on rigorous implementation, interagency cooperation, and the political will to resist short-term revenue pressures. Should Vanuatu demonstrate that robust vetting, transparent processes, and sustained international collaboration can coexist with economic citizenship, it could emerge as a global model for sustainable passport programs.
Conversely, any further scandal—such as high-profile figures exploiting residual loopholes—would risk renewed visa restrictions by major partners, damage investor confidence, and provoke domestic backlash from civil society. In that scenario, Vanuatu’s immediate economic inflows would dwindle, leaving the fragile island economy vulnerable to external shocks.
For now, the ambition to revoke Andrew Tate’s citizenship symbolically affirms Vanuatu’s intention to “close the loophole” and reclaim the integrity of its travel documents. Whether these intentions translate into enduring policy change will determine if Vanuatu can maintain a “social licence” to operate its DSP—ensuring that the next generation of passport holders reflect the country’s values, rather than undermine them.
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