Lalit Modi, ex-IPL boss, surrendered his Indian passport and acquired Vanuatu citizenship, leading to the cancellation of his Vanuatu passport by the Vanuatu Prime Minister due to allegations of financial irregularities. Vanuatu’s ‘golden passport’ program attracts individuals seeking quick citizenship, despite criticisms regarding its use by criminals. The trend is growing among Indians and NRIs.
Lalit Modi, the former head of the Indian Premier League (IPL), opted for Vanuatu citizenship after surrendering his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London. This decision coincided with increased scrutiny over his alleged financial misconduct during his IPL tenure. Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, subsequently ordered the cancellation of Modi’s passport following reports of his wanted status in India.
The official release from Vanuatu disclosed that Modi’s passport was revoked due to recent international media revelations regarding his fugitive status. Modi had previously faced two requests from India for an Interpol red notice, both of which were denied due to a lack of substantial judicial evidence, which also impacted his citizenship application.
Lalit Modi fled India 15 years ago amid allegations of embezzlement, and while India has sought his extradition, progress remains slow. His recent acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship is particularly notable given the nation’s location as a small Pacific island, even smaller than Puducherry in India.
Vanuatu’s citizenship acquisition via its ‘golden passport’ program has garnered interest for its requirement of a USD 150,000 fee and minimal documentation, with processing completed in about a month without the applicant visiting the country. This program is vital for Vanuatu’s economy, accounting for nearly 40% of its national income, bolstered by passport demand during COVID-19.
Citizenship in Vanuatu also allows visa-free access to over 120 countries, including the UK and Europe, alongside being recognized as a tax haven, with no income, corporate, or wealth taxes. This makes it appealing for those seeking freedom of travel and tax advantages.
The trend indicates a growing interest in Vanuatu citizenship among Indians and NRIs, with at least 30 Indian-origin individuals obtaining citizenship in the past two years, predominantly alongside a larger number from China. Despite its benefits, the golden passport scheme faces critiques for potentially facilitating access for individuals linked to criminal activities, as highlighted by investigative reports such as those from The Guardian.
Lalit Modi’s choice of Vanuatu citizenship, following his surrender of the Indian passport, underscores the complexities surrounding his legal battles and the allure of the ‘golden passport’ program offered by Vanuatu. The scheme provides rapid citizenship with minimal requirements, revealing a tug-of-war between citizenship policies and their exploitation for questionable purposes. As global interest rises, particularly from Indians and NRIs, the potential implications of such citizenship acquisitions warrant close scrutiny.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
