Lalit Modi, former IPL chief, surrendered his Indian passport, leading to the cancellation of his Vanuatu passport by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu due to fresh media scrutiny. Modi acquired Vanuatu citizenship through a controversial ‘golden passport’ program, allowing quick citizenship for a fee. This program, while beneficial for revenue, has faced criticism for potential misuse by criminals, raising questions about international citizenship regulations.

Lalit Modi, former IPL chief, recently surrendered his Indian passport in London, prompting Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat to issue a cancellation of the passport granted to him. This action follows increased scrutiny surrounding allegations of financial misconduct against Modi during his IPL tenure and sheds light on his elusive status since leaving India 15 years ago amid embezzlement accusations.

The Republic of Vanuatu officially stated that Modi’s passport cancellation stems from new media findings regarding his wanted status in India. Prime Minister Napat directed the Citizenship Commission to revoke Modi’s passport, emphasizing the significant media coverage surrounding his case. Furthermore, India’s attempts to secure an Interpol red notice against him were thwarted due to insufficient judicial evidence, as noted in the released statement.

Modi’s decision to pursue Vanuatu citizenship is primarily linked to the nation’s controversial “golden passport” program. This scheme allows affluent applicants to acquire citizenship for a fee of USD 150,000, requiring minimal documentation and offering prompt processing—citizenship can be secured in just a month without the necessity of visiting Vanuatu.

The golden passport initiative is vital for Vanuatu’s economy, constituting approximately 40% of its national income. The program gained traction during the pandemic, helping the impoverished nation achieve a budget surplus in 2021. A Vanuatu passport also permits visa-free access to over 120 countries, including the UK and many European nations, making it a desirable option for those pursuing enhanced global mobility.

There is a growing trend of Indian and NRI interest in acquiring Vanuatu citizenship. Reports indicate that in the last two years, around 30 individuals of Indian origin have attained citizenship, although a majority of beneficiaries have been Chinese nationals under this program. However, the golden passport scheme has faced scrutiny, with investigations revealing its potential misuse by global criminal entities, thus raising concerns about the influx of individuals with questionable reputations gaining access to the UK and EU.

The situation involving Lalit Modi highlights significant issues surrounding international citizenship programs like Vanuatu’s golden passport system. While it offers attractive opportunities for global mobility and economic advantages, the potential for exploitation by individuals with dubious backgrounds raises critical ethical and legal concerns. The developments in Modi’s case also underscore the ongoing complexities of extradition processes and international justice.

Original Source: www.newsx.com

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