The Vanuatu FIU unit performs several layers of security checks on the background of applicants before granting citizenship for investing.
Due Diligence (DD) for Vanuatu CBI applicants is done by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Currently the stages of DD begin with the agent, to the FIU, an external independent company FACT UK (when adverse information is discovered), and the Citizenship office does the last checks before it is forwarded to the screening committee.
When FIU receives the receipt of 25% payment from the client, it checks for the
- client’s criminal investigations and convictions against the INTERPOL watch list,
- UN security council resolution sanction lists,
- terrorism sanction lists,
- financial sanction lists,
- entity disqualification lists,
- politically exposed persons lists,
- black lists, immigration lists etc.
Any adverse information identified (in addition to past convictions) are reported to the Screening Committee for their informed decision making.
The FIU utilises 4 globally reputable servers/databases to conduct its DD checks. According to FIU, these servers are recommended and widely used within the financial world, banking sectors, law enforcement and FIU networks.
The Committee is conscious of the benefits such as the visa-free agreements with the EU, that although FIU feels that it does not need any third-party DD, there is still a need to have a third-party DD. The use of such will add credibility to the program and protection of such benefits. This will also assist to address and meet EU DD requirements.
The Committee recommended that the COC adds an independent ThirdParty Agent to work with and monitored by FIU to conduct background and Due Diligence checks on all applicants.
Biometric Collection
Director of Immigration, Jeffrey Markson, has successfully introduced biometric
passports, aligning Vanuatu’s travel documents with international security standards.
This upgrade will be further enhanced by the installation of biometric capturing systems across Vanuatu diplomatic offices worldwide by March 2025, streamlining the application process while maintaining rigorous security protocols.
“This improvements represent a coordinated effort across multiple government
agencies to elevate Vanuatu’s citizenship program to world-class standards,” noted
the Commission Secretary General.
“The introduction of biometric systems, combined with enhanced due diligence and investment monitoring, demonstrates our commitment to program integrity and addressing global concerns.”
FIU Internal Checks
Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit applies new internal procedures to better manage and safeguard its due diligence procedures. These new internal FIU processes will be in accordance with the currently legislated timeframes and applicable to all new submissions starting on Thursday 16th January 2025.
1. Required Documents
All submissions of client files MUST contain all the necessary required documents:
- Valid Passport Copy with more than 6 months validity
- Valid Police Clearance
- Notarized Curriculum Vitae
- Government payment receipt
Documents must be submitted via email addressed to the Director of FIU and cc the senior FIU officers and designated staff assigned to conduct the due diligence checks (email addresses will be conveyed via our mailing list for current agents).
2. Submissions
All submissions must be made via email for better record keeping and tracking of the submissions. The submission will be acknowledged with a reference number for tracking purposes.
If you wish to hand deliver your client documents, a valid explanation must be provided in the hard copy submissions, subject to the Director of FIU’s prior approval in writing. This is to safeguard tracking reference numbers and response times.
3. Probity Checks
In the interim, to enable prompt management of submissions (including backlogs), two newly designated staff members have been tasked to conduct the probity checks, following an internal staff rotation arrangement (email addresses will be conveyed via mailing lists for current agents).
4.Internal Screening Committee
Upon completion of the probity checks conducted by the responsible staff, checks will be submitted to an internal screening committee consisting of senior FIU staff who will meet weekly to review these checks.
This ensures that all check results issued are according to the reference issued, minimizing any potential for undue or favourable treatment, including enhanced reviews to increase the integrity of the checks conducted.
5. Recommendation
Once the screening committee has completed its reviews, findings and recommendations will be presented to the Director for sign-off on the FIU due diligence letter for Citizenship applicants, within the currently legislated timeframes.
6. Follow up
All queries, questions and follow-ups on Citizenship submissions and applications will be directed to the Director of FIU.
CIIP Oversight
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) has evolved into a robust economic
contributor, featuring strengthened investment requirements that directly benefit
Vanuatu’s primary sectors.
The program now maintains strict oversight of the mandatory USD 50,000
investment component, ensuring active contribution to the national economy. The
Commission has implemented comprehensive verification procedures to monitor
investment compliance, with clear consequences for non-compliance, with clear
consequences for non-compliance including potential citizenship revocation.