Vanuatu Stands By Andrew Tate’s Citizenship Amidst Controversy

Despite intense scrutiny and reports linking Andrew Tate’s Vanuatu citizenship to his 2022 arrest, the South Pacific nation’s government has decided against revoking it. A recent internal review has concluded that the influencer’s acquisition of citizenship was compliant with regulations at the time, solidifying his status as a Vanuatu national, at least for the present. This firm position by the government is based on the findings of their comprehensive internal assessment.
Government spokesperson Kiery Manassah explained that the citizenship office’s investigation into Tate’s file found that he had been cleared by international authorities, including Interpol and the UK, when he was granted citizenship. This clearance underpinned the decision, leaving no immediate grounds for revocation based on procedural errors or oversight during the initial application process. The integrity of the original vetting, according to Manassah, was not compromised.
Manassah did concede that the government would have acted differently if it had prior knowledge of the serious allegations against Tate. He explicitly stated that if their “processes were working” and they had been aware, Tate “should have not allowed him in the first place.” However, the current legal framework does not permit arbitrary revocation based on subsequent discoveries, thereby solidifying Tate’s status as a Vanuatu citizen for the foreseeable future.
This development highlights ongoing concerns about Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment program, which has faced criticism for attracting individuals with questionable backgrounds. The government has pledged to implement stricter due diligence measures to restore credibility to the program and prevent future controversies, acknowledging the urgent need for reform in light of international scrutiny.