Australia and New Zealand should follow France example: Vanuatu Opposition

Vanuatu’s Opposition bloc has expressed its appreciation to the French Government for the decision it has taken in permitting Vanuatu passport holders to travel to New Caledonia, France and French Polynesia without prior visa application and approval requirements.

“The Office of the Opposition expressed its highest appreciation to the French Government in its recognition for Vanuatu citizens to travel to New Caledonia and Tahiti without prior visa application requirements and approval before travelling.

“Also the Opposition appreciates and salutes the French Government as representing the European Union here to open up the same travel arrangements avenue to the European countries (Schengen areas), the Opposition statement read.

“The Opposition wishes to question Australia High Commission and the New Zealand High Commission if they could consider the example set by French Government to the people of Vanuatu and see if they can open up their boarders in the same way the French Government has done for the people of Vanuatu to grant the Ni-Vanuatu citizens the same privilege,” the Opposition asked.

“Australia and New Zealand persist in asking Vanuatu to sign the Pacer–Plus (Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations) and if Australia and New Zealand seek such a closer economic relations, then please open your boarders to grant visa exemptions to the Vanuatu citizens to Australia and New Zealand,” the Opposition asks in a statement.

“The Office of the Opposition also calls on the Vanuatu Government to pursue this issue with Australia and New Zealand as soon as possible,” the statement was signed by the Opposition Leader, Ishmael Kalsakau.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST