Background: Acquisition of Vanuatu Citizenship
In December 2022, Andrew Tate, a British-American social media influencer, reportedly obtained Vanuatu citizenship through the country’s Development Support Program. This program allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship by making a minimum investment of $130,000. The timing of Tate’s citizenship acquisition coincided with his arrest in Romania on charges including rape, human trafficking, and forming a criminal organization to exploit women.
Initial Government Response
Following revelations about Tate’s citizenship, Vanuatu government spokesperson Kiery Manassah indicated that authorities were “looking into” the matter and considering revocation of his citizenship. Manassah emphasized that the government does not wish to encourage individuals with questionable backgrounds to obtain citizenship.
Review of Citizenship Application
Subsequent to the initial statements, Vanuatu’s Citizenship Office conducted a review of Tate’s application. The review found that at the time of his citizenship grant, Tate had cleared background checks from Interpol and UK authorities. Consequently, the government decided not to revoke his citizenship, stating that Tate remains a citizen and no further actions are planned at this time.
Legal Considerations for Revocation
Vanuatu’s Citizenship Office has stated that while Tate’s citizenship will not be revoked immediately, it could be reconsidered if he is convicted of a crime. The office emphasized that revocation is contingent upon legal proceedings and the establishment of guilt in a court of law.
Broader Implications and Future Reforms
The controversy surrounding Tate’s citizenship has highlighted concerns about Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment program, which has faced criticism for insufficient vetting processes. In response, the government has pledged to strengthen due diligence procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.
