Gov’t plans tougher naturalised citizenship laws: Citizenship Chairman

Oct 22, 2026 | News | 0

A recent article by the Vanuatu Daily Post explored questions around citizenship, cultural values, freedom of expression and how we treat people whose beliefs or ways of life may differ from our own.

The Government is proposing changes to Vanuatu’s citizenship laws that could require people applying for citizenship through naturalisation to formally commit to following the country’s laws and cultural values. The proposed amendments could also introduce grounds for revoking citizenship and deporting naturalised citizens who breach these conditions. Changes to the Constitution have also been raised as a possibility.

But what should these requirements look like in practice? How do we define and uphold our cultural values while recognising that people may have different beliefs and perspectives? And how can we have these conversations while respecting the rights and dignity of everyone in our communities? These are important questions to consider, especially as the proposed amendments have not yet been tabled in Parliament.

The article also highlighted concerns about cyberbullying following heated discussions on social media. While online platforms give us space to share our views and debate important issues, they can also become places where people face insults, harassment and personal attacks.

Can we disagree without disrespecting one another? Can we uphold our values while making room for thoughtful discussion?

The Government is planning to strengthen Vanuatu’s citizenship laws to require naturalised citizens to comply with the country’s laws and cultural values, with proposed breaches potentially leading to citizenship revocation and deportation.

Chairman of the Citizenship Commission, Charles Maniel, told Daily Post yesterday that proposed amendments to the citizenship law were initially expected to be considered during the current parliamentary sessions but have now been scheduled for next year’s ordinary session.

Maniel said the proposed changes would require people applying for Vanuatu citizenship through naturalisation to formally declare that they would abide by the country’s laws and requirements.

He indicated that the proposed amendments could establish grounds for revoking citizenship and deporting naturalised citizens who breach conditions attached to their citizenship.

He also suggested the reforms could eventually lead to constitutional changes relating to citizenship.

Call for Government to address cyberbullying

The issue follows public debate on social media after Gaelle Meheut, also known as Gaga, the co-founder of Groovy Banana, shared photographs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Asexual/Aromantic/Agender (LGBTQIA+) people taken at a resort on Efate on her Facebook page.

The post attracted numerous comments, with some social media users questioning the promotion of LGBTQIA+-related issues in Vanuatu and raising concerns about the responsibilities of naturalised citizens.

Responding to the controversy, Meheut said people should focus their energy on other pressing problems facing the country.

She also raised concerns about online behaviour, saying the Government should encourage ethical communication and address cyberbullying.

“Cyberbullying is strong in Vanuatu and it is so unchristian to talk about sex and insult people online,” she said.

Meheut said owners of Facebook pages and groups also had a responsibility to moderate comments and make online platforms safer for everyone.

She maintained that LGBTQIA+ people should be accepted and allowed to live peacefully alongside others, regardless of differing beliefs and practices, provided they do not harm anyone.

“Accepting them and live in harmony is the most peaceful solution. Everyone their own beliefs and practices as long as they do no hurt anyone,” she said.

As a photographer, Meheut said her clients had agreed to have their photographs published and that she was proud to showcase her work.

She said her intention was to reassure LGBTQIA+ clients and followers that they were welcome and safe with her, rather than promote any particular lifestyle.

“I am not promoting anything than accepting people as they are as humans,” she said.

The debate has raised broader questions about citizenship obligations, freedom of expression, cultural values and the treatment of minority communities in Vanuatu.

However, the proposed amendments have not yet been tabled in Parliament.

The Government therefore cannot rely on the proposed provisions to revoke citizenship or deport people under legislation that has not been enacted.

Any proposed changes would need to undergo parliamentary consideration and comply with Vanuatu’s Constitution and applicable legal obligations, including protections relating to freedom of expression and equality before the law.

Until Parliament considers and passes any amendments, naturalised citizens remain subject to the existing legal framework governing citizenship in Vanuatu.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Child sexual abuse cases have revealed a disturbing pattern: children are being abused not by strangers, but by people they know and trust, including fathers, relatives, teachers and others in positions of responsibility. Vanuatu cannot undo the sexual abuse many children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. With the Child Protection Bill before Parliament this month, Members of Parliament (MPs) have an important opportunity to strengthen protections for children and ensure a stronger response to abuse. The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MOJYCS) says recent cases demonstrate the need for a stronger national response, including protection and support for children beyond the criminal prosecution of offenders. A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her father, who was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in August this year. 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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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