Some politicians are exploiting Vanuatu diplomatic passports for promotion abroad, possibly as part of immigration services or overseas consultancy.
The Vanuatu Daily reports that some politicians are allegedly issuing diplomatic passports to foreigners for their own benefit, with some individuals paying large sums for this privilege.
Diplomatic passports are usually reserved for individuals with specific roles, such as diplomats, government officials, or senior government personnel. They facilitate international travel for high-ranking government officials and are frequently used by diplomats stationed abroad.
It is of serious concern that the alleged misuse of Vanuatu diplomatic passports could damage the country's reputation and may subject the parties involved to legal consequences.
The promotional content about Vanuatu passports, particularly diplomatic and ordinary passports, seems to be part of immigration services or consultancy. These promotions highlight the apparent advantages and global accessibility of these passports, often including details of the services offered.
Some promotional materials claim that visa holders can stay in South Korea for three months and indefinitely in Macau, China, without any time restrictions. They also state that the red diplomatic passport is "different" from the regular green Vanuatu passport and emphasize the freedom of travel in countries like Malaysia. These materials even call the Vanuatu passport "the strongest passport on Earth" and suggest that Asians can easily benefit from visa-free access through the passport.
The marketing of Vanuatu passports, whether diplomatic or ordinary, has raised concerns due to the exaggerated benefits of holding such passports. These claims could be misleading, or in the worst case, exaggerate the actual advantages.
If these promotional materials are not transparent about the legitimate requirements and benefits of holding a Vanuatu passport, it could lead to confusion or exploitation by individuals attempting to circumvent standard immigration procedures.
While it is currently unclear how much a diplomatic passport costs, it is believed to be a significant amount. This raises important questions about the transparency and ethics of the issuance process. The next government must address the issue of diplomatic passport issuance.
If diplomatic passports are being sold at high prices, especially when benefits or promises are exaggerated during sales, this may indicate serious corruption or mismanagement within the system.
A thorough investigation should be conducted to determine how diplomatic passports are issued and whether they are only issued to individuals who meet legitimate criteria.
If any misuse is confirmed, the government must implement stricter regulations to ensure that only qualified individuals can obtain diplomatic passports. There should be clear guidelines outlining who is eligible for such passports and a transparent application process.
