Former Vanuatu Ambassador to EU calls for body to screen passport applicants
While wishing the Vanuatu Government the best 43rd Independence Anniversary, the first former Ambassador to Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) countries in the European Union (EU) from 2007-2018, Roy Mickey Joy is urging
Employers say contract workers abandoning contracts; Using Palau as stepping stone to getting U.S. visas
Several employers in Palau complain that many foreign workers have abandoned their contracts in Palau after getting visas to the United States from the U.S. Embassy in Palau. They claim that obtaining U.S. visas from
Australian Coalition to oppose Pacific visa lottery
The Australian federal opposition has ruled out backing a new Pacific visa lottery scheme, labelling it as arbitrary and patronising to the Pacific community at home and abroad. Last month, the government announced
Answers needed on the Pacific Engagement Visa
Beyond practicalities, it’s unclear whether this is a genuine “Pacific family” partnership or geopolitical convenience? After a recent ministerial meeting, Australia agreed to expedite visa applications from Papua
Free Visa access to New Caledonia soon
Vanuatu and New Caledonia are expected to reach a visa waiver agreement soon. This news comes after a meeting between Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Australia announces 3,000 visas for Pacific workers
A new visa will allow up to 3,000 people from the Pacific region to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year, under a scheme modelled on a New Zealand immigration programme. The Pacific Engagement Visa has
NZ visa process ‘heartbreaking’: Samoa Minister of Police
The processing of New Zealand visa applications lodged by Samoans keen on visiting family is in the spotlight again, with a Cabinet Minister describing it as “embarrassing and heartbreaking”. Samoa’s Minister
EU allows 18 months extension to Vanuatu
The European Union (EU) has given a further 18 months’ extension to allow time for the Vanuatu Government to complete reforming its Citizenship Programme. This follows a letter from Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau
Vanuatu Citizenship programme under investigation
New locks have been installed on doors at the Citizenship Office in Port Vila as the Vanuatu Government initiates an investigation into the lucrative Citizenship Programme. This was disclosed by Prime Minister Ishmael
Opinion: What do Pacific workers think about Australia’s Engagement Visa?
The new Australia Pacific Engagement Visa has sparked great interest from Pacific workers in Australia, however there is a need for clarification around the details of the scheme, Akka Rimon writes. A major policy of
Vanuatu Govt revise visa to rebuild tourism sector
The Vanuatu Government, through the Department of Immigration and Passport Service, has amended the Visitor Visa to Tourist Visa to allow tourists the opportunity to come to Vanuatu and stay longer. Previously a tourist
