Despite ongoing charges and public scrutiny, the Vanuatu government is holding firm on Andrew Tate’s citizenship, confirming no immediate plans for revocation. An internal review has affirmed the legitimacy of his original application, a decision that has garnered significant attention given the gravity of the allegations he faces. The government’s position underscores a strict interpretation of legal procedures.
Government spokesperson Kiery Manassah explained that the citizenship office’s examination of Tate’s records showed he was cleared by Interpol and UK authorities when his citizenship was approved. This initial compliance with security checks is the key to the current decision, as no faults were found in the process that led to his naturalization.
Manassah did express regret that the government was not fully aware of the allegations against Tate during his application, admitting that this knowledge would have altered the outcome. However, he reiterated that current legal frameworks do not permit retroactive revocation based on later discoveries, emphasizing the constraints on their ability to act.
The government is taking steps to address the “very bad reputation” of its citizenship-by-investment program. Manassah confirmed new regulations are being implemented to strengthen due diligence, aiming to prevent similar situations and to ensure greater scrutiny of future applicants, thereby restoring confidence in the program’s integrity.