Vanuatu’s Citizenship Commission has officially retracted a previous notice that appeared to ban Russian and Sudanese nationals from its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Officials confirmed that both nationalities remain eligible to apply.
In a swift clarification dated March 11, 2026, Citizenship Commission Chairman Charlie Maniel confirmed that a previous memorandum issued on March 9 was “released in error.” The original document, which had circulated among designated agents, suggested that Russia and Sudan had been added to the country’s restricted nationalities list.
No Changes to the Restricted List
Chairman Maniel’s follow-up memo, which was also copied to Prime Minister Jotham Napat, explicitly states that no new countries have been added to the sanctioned list.
“The Republic of Vanuatu continues to welcome qualified applicants from both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Sudan to apply under its Citizenship by Investment programs,” the statement read. The Commission emphasized that all applicants remain subject to the country’s “standard and rigorous due diligence processes.”
The current restricted list remains limited to its original members, including Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Internal Investigation Launched
The Citizenship Commission has launched an internal investigation to determine how the “clerical error” occurred. According to the Chairman, new safeguards will be implemented to prevent similar miscommunications in the future.
The Commission issued a direct apology to all agents and stakeholders for any confusion caused by the initial announcement. Industry experts noted that the rapid correction was essential to restoring certainty in the investment migration market, particularly as many had already begun reacting to the perceived policy shift.
Focus on Stability and Due Diligence
Despite the administrative mix-up, officials stressed that the integrity of Vanuatu’s CBI program remains a top priority. The government continues to focus on maintaining a stable, well-regulated program that balances accessibility for international investors with high-level security vetting.
For investors from the Russian Federation and Sudan, this clarification confirms that the Vanuatu pathway remains open, provided they meet the stringent background checks and financial requirements mandated by the authorities.
For investors, this update serves as a reminder of the rapidly changing nature of the global mobility market. As jurisdictions align their standards, the options for certain nationalities continue to narrow, making early and compliant applications more critical than ever.
Follow us on social media and website for more insights!
