Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the country’s Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport of Lalit Modi, founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), following revelations related to his application for Vanuatu citizenship.
“A Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right. Applicants must have legitimate reasons for citizenship,” PM Napat stated. He explained that while initial background checks, including Interpol screenings, did not show criminal convictions, recent information indicated that Interpol rejected India’s request for an alert on Lalit Modi due to insufficient evidence. Had this information been known during Modi’s application, his citizenship would have been denied, he clarified.
“None of those legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the recent facts brought to light clearly indicate was Mr. Modi’s intention,” Napat emphasized.
The Prime Minister added that standard procedures, including Interpol screenings during Modi’s citizenship application, initially showed no criminal convictions. However, the latest developments suggest a clear intent to avoid legal proceedings in India.
“A Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must provide legitimate reasons for citizenship,” he emphasized.
Vanuatu, located east of Australia, consists of 83 islands, with its capital Port Vila situated on Efate Island. The nation offers a citizenship-by-investment program, popular among international applicants.
Lalit Modi, credited with revolutionizing cricket by founding the IPL, has been living abroad since facing allegations of financial irregularities in India.
Note: (With inputs from agencies)
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