Vanuatu Faults UK’s Revocation of Visa-free Entry Permit for Citizens

The Vanuatu Government has faulted United Kingdom’s revocation of its visa-free entry permit for Vanuatu citizens, effective July 19, 2023.

A statement by the Trade Commissioner of The Republic of Vanuatu to Nigeria, Rita Oyoku, on Wednesday, said the revocation was as a result of what UK’s Home Office called “Clear and evident abuse of the CBI program”.

The Vanuatu Government however strongly challenged the claim of the British Government and said it was, as a matter of urgency, taking steps to resolve the situation.

“In Furtherance to the step taken by the Vanuatu Government, four weeks grace period had been granted to all those who have already booked or purchased their tickets to travel to the United Kingdom but those travelers must arrive not later than 16th of August, 2023,” the statement said.

The Trade commissioner also assured all Vanuatu citizens of the government’s commitment in seeing that the issue was resolved.