Lalit Modi Revoked Vanuatu Citizenship: Understanding the Implications

Lalit Modi, ex-IPL Chief, surrendered his Indian passport, prompting Vanuatu’s Prime Minister to revoke his Vanuatu passport due to his fugitive status. Modi acquired Vanuatu citizenship through its golden passport program, which offers fast processing for wealthy individuals. Amid rising interest from Indians, the program faces scrutiny for potential misuse by criminal networks.

Lalit Modi, the former founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently surrendered his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London. This event prompted the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, to order the cancellation of the passport Modi held with that nation. This decision follows increased scrutiny surrounding Modi’s alleged financial misconduct during his IPL tenure.

According to Vanuatu’s official statement, the revocation was made in light of recent media coverage emphasizing Modi’s fugitive status in India. “I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the Vanuatu passport issued to Mr. Lalit Modi following recent revelations in international media,” the official release stated. It also mentioned that Interpol had denied India’s requests for a red notice due to insufficient judicial evidence, which would have complicated Modi’s citizenship application.

Lalit Modi’s decision to acquire citizenship from Vanuatu, a small Pacific island nation, marks a notable chapter in his ongoing legal troubles. Modi fled to the UK 15 years ago amidst allegations regarding substantial embezzlement while leading the IPL. Although India has pursued his extradition, there has been little advancement in the case.

Vanuatu is noteworthy for its controversial ‘golden passport’ program, which facilitates citizenship for a fee of USD 150,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore). The attraction of this program is its straightforward application process and expedited citizenship approval, often granted within a month without the necessity for the applicant to visit.

The revenue derived from the citizenship scheme is vital for Vanuatu, contributing to almost 40% of its national income. The nation registered a budget surplus in 2021, largely due to the robust interest in its passports during the COVID-19 pandemic. A passport from Vanuatu offers visa-free access to over 120 countries, including the UK and several European nations, making it desirable for those seeking enhanced mobility.

There has been a notable rise in interest from Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in acquiring Vanuatu citizenship. In the last two years, approximately 30 individuals of Indian origin have successfully obtained it. Notably, a significant portion of the passports issued under this scheme has been granted to Chinese nationals.

Despite its attractions, the golden passport scheme has been criticized, with investigations highlighting its vulnerability to exploitation by global criminal enterprises. Reports, including one from The Guardian, indicate that the lenient regulations allow individuals with dubious financial backgrounds to secure entry into the UK and the European Union.

The case of Lalit Modi underscores the complexities surrounding the pursuit of citizenship through Vanuatu, especially as it relates to financial integrity and international law. Modi’s situation illustrates both the advantages and the scrutiny associated with the golden passport program. As Vanuatu continues to experience growing interest from individuals seeking quick citizenship, it grapples with the associated risks of exploitation and the challenge of maintaining its integrity as a sovereign nation.

Original Source: www.newsx.com