Lalit Modi, former IPL founder, surrendered his Indian passport and had his Vanuatu passport canceled by Prime Minister Jotham Napat due to financial irregularities accusations. Vanuatu’s golden passport program allows rapid citizenship for a fee, appealing especially to Indian nationals despite concerns over misuse by criminal networks.
Lalit Modi, the former IPL founder, recently attempted to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London. Following this, Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat announced the cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport, igniting further scrutiny due to ongoing financial irregularities allegations against him during his IPL leadership.
The Prime Minister’s directive was based on recent media reports identifying Modi as a wanted individual in India. An official statement from Vanuatu indicated that, “I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the Vanuatu passport issued to Mr. Lalit Modi following recent revelations in international media.” Additionally, it was noted that Interpol had rejected India’s request for a red notice against Modi on two occasions due to insufficient judicial evidence.
Modi’s choice of Vanuatu citizenship stems from its controversial ‘golden passport’ program, which permits individuals to acquire citizenship for a fee of USD 150,000 without extensive documentation. The processing is rapid, with citizenship granted in one month, providing an attractive option for those seeking to bypass stringent immigration pathways.
This program also serves as a vital revenue source for Vanuatu, accounting for nearly 40% of the nation’s income. Despite its economic vulnerability, Vanuatu recorded a budget surplus in 2021, largely attributed to the demand for its passports amid the global pandemic. Moreover, Vanuatu citizenship allows visa-free access to over 120 countries, which appeals to those desiring increased global mobility.
The growing interest in Vanuatu citizenship has particularly seen an uptick among Indian and Non-Resident Indian communities, with reports indicating that around 30 Indian-origin individuals have acquired passports in recent years. Nonetheless, the majority of beneficiaries have been Chinese nationals. Despite its allure, the program has faced scrutiny for being a potential avenue for criminal elements to gain access to the UK and European markets.
In summary, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship and subsequent passport cancellation highlight the complexities surrounding global migration and governance. The Vanuatu golden passport program beckons individuals, particularly from India and China, despite criticism surrounding its use by individuals with dubious financial backgrounds. This situation underscores the ongoing issues related to financial irregularities in the international context.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
