Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi Acquires Citizenship in Vanuatu…

Lalit Modi has acquired Vanuatu citizenship while facing legal charges in India. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his application to surrender his Indian passport, as he seeks refuge under Vanuatu’s golden passport program, which offers easy access to citizenship for a fee. This development is significant given Modi’s past and the scrutiny surrounding the legitimacy of such citizenship programs.

Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and a fugitive, has recently acquired Vanuatu citizenship, confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) at a media briefing. This development occurs 15 years after he fled to the United Kingdom while facing serious allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. Modi has also made a request to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London, aligning with legal protocols, as the MEA continues to pursue necessary actions against him.

Modi’s choice of Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation with a population of just over 300,000, is influenced by its attractive golden passport program. For an investment of USD 150,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore), individuals can obtain citizenship with minimal documentation, a process that can be completed online within a month without requiring a visit to the country. This program is notably lucrative for Vanuatu, contributing nearly 40% of the nation’s revenue and achieving a budget surplus during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Vanuatu passport offers significant advantages, including visa-free access to over 120 countries, such as the UK and various European nations. Additionally, Vanuatu benefits from a tax haven status, imposing no income, corporate, or wealth taxes. This has made the nation increasingly appealing to both Indian nationals and non-resident Indians (NRIs), with reports indicating that at least 30 Indians have obtained Vanuatu citizenship in the last two years.

Despite its popularity, the golden passport program has faced scrutiny due to its potential misuse by criminal syndicates, granting them illegitimate access to the EU and the UK. Investigations reveal that many applicants are connected to complex offshore networks, raising concerns about the integrity of such citizenship programs.

In conclusion, Lalit Modi’s acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship marks a notable development amidst his ongoing legal troubles in India. This choice is largely facilitated by Vanuatu’s golden passport program, which offers a swift and cost-effective pathway to citizenship. While beneficial opportunities exist for those acquiring Vanuatu citizenship, the program’s historical misuse by criminal elements poses significant ethical and regulatory challenges.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in