Lalit Modi, former IPL boss, surrendered his Indian passport and subsequently lost his Vanuatu citizenship. Vanuatu’s Prime Minister ordered this amid Modi’s legal issues in India, emphasizing the international scrutiny surrounding his financial conduct. The golden passport program offers quick citizenship in exchange for a significant fee and has become popular, especially among Indians, though it faces criticism due to potential misuse.
Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) founder, recently surrendered his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London. Shortly thereafter, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat announced the cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport, citing his wanted status in India due to allegations of financial misconduct related to his time with the IPL.
An official statement from Vanuatu indicated that newfound media coverage about Modi’s legal troubles necessitated this decision. The statement noted, “I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the Vanuatu passport issued to Mr. Lalit Modi following recent revelations in international media,” emphasizing the link between these media disclosures and the action taken.
Vanuatu’s statement further highlighted that India’s requests for an Interpol red notice against Modi were declined on two occasions owing to insufficient evidence. Such a notice would have automatically rendered Modi ineligible for Vanuatu citizenship, showcasing the complexities surrounding his legal standing.
Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship raises questions, as he leveraged the island nation’s ‘golden passport’ program, which grants citizenship for a payment of USD 150,000. This program is enticing due to minimal paperwork and rapid processing, as applicants can receive their citizenship in about a month without needing to visit Vanuatu.
This citizenship initiative is a vital economic strategy for Vanuatu, representing nearly 40% of its national income. The demand for Vanuatu passports surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a budget surplus in 2021 despite the nation being classified among the poorest globally.
Possessing a Vanuatu passport provides the advantage of visa-free travel to over 120 nations, including the UK and various European countries, making it attractive for those seeking greater global mobility. Additionally, Vanuatu is a noted tax haven, with no income tax, wealth tax, or corporate tax, further enhancing its appeal.
Interestingly, Vanuatu’s citizenship program has gained traction among Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), with around 30 individuals of Indian origin obtaining citizenship in recent years. Nevertheless, most passports granted under this scheme have been issued to Chinese nationals.
Despite the advantages of Vanuatu’s golden passport program, it has come under scrutiny. Investigations, including one conducted by The Guardian, have revealed that criminal networks are exploiting the program, raising concerns about the ease with which individuals with dubious financial backgrounds can gain access to the UK and EU.
In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s choice to pursue Vanuatu citizenship comes amid serious legal challenges he faces in India. The cancellation of his Vanuatu passport reflects growing international scrutiny and the complexities of national and international legal frameworks regarding citizenship. The emergence of Vanuatu’s golden passport program highlights both the allure and controversies surrounding such schemes, particularly their potential exploitation by individuals with questionable financial histories.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
