Vanuatu is upholding its decision to grant Andrew Tate citizenship, stating all protocols were followed at the time of his application. This firm stance by the government means the controversial influencer will continue to be recognized as a Vanuatu national, amidst ongoing legal challenges in other parts of the world. The decision prioritizes the adherence to initial legal procedures.
According to government spokesperson Kiery Manassah, a thorough review by the citizenship office confirmed that Tate had received all necessary clearances from Interpol and the UK when his citizenship was granted. This compliance with existing regulations at the time forms the basis for the government’s decision to not revoke his status.
Manassah expressed regret that the government was not fully informed of the allegations against Tate at the outset, admitting that such knowledge would have led to a different outcome. However, he emphasized that they cannot legally “go back and revoke based on information that is discovered later,” highlighting the constraints of their legal framework.
The controversy has drawn renewed attention to Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment scheme, which has been criticized for its vetting processes. The government has pledged to implement stricter due diligence measures to prevent similar issues and to address the program’s “very bad reputation overseas,” aiming to enhance its integrity.
