Vanuatu opposition leader

Ralph Regenvanu said the Constitution was clear on people gaining citizenship by naturalisation.

He said people were supposed to live in Vanuatu for 10 continuous years before they could be granted citizenship by naturalisation.

"We are aware that number of individuals who have not satisfied the requirement of 10 years continuous residence in Vanuatu have now obtained citizenship by naturalisation.

Yesterday, Ishamel Kalsakau moved the motion in an attempt to remove Joe Natuman from attending any session ahead of a court case next month.

Mr Natuman faces trial for conspiracy relating to a 2015 decision to call on police investigators to cease a mutiny probe into a former police commissioner.

Mr Kalsakau said he spoke to the speaker, Esmon Simon, about the motion on Wednesday, but it was rejected in parliament yesterday.