The Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) has completed inspecting 48 shops operating in the rural areas of Efate.
The areas include Freshwota, Anamburu, Ohlen, and Manples.
VIPA said the inspection was successfully conducted last week with the departments of Customs, VAT, Labour and Immigration.
The authority’s focus for the inspection was to verify the foreign status of shop owners as being foreigner or naturalized Ni Vanuatu.
VIPA also confirmed that all shop owners have been confirmed as naturalized Ni Vanuatu who have Vanuatu passports.
“Through this inspection initiated by VIPA, the other Departments were able to collect revenue on key penalties such as work permits and business registration. Total revenue collected through this exercise from penalties amount to VT2,072,000, VIPA stated.
VIPA has reminded the public at large that foreigners, who have Vanuatu passport who are Naturalized citizen are not regulated by VIPA and information on their rights to operate a business in Vanuatu can be sought through the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission and other relevant authorities.
The inspection is part of VIPA’s Facilitation and Compliance Activities for 2019.
Photo supplied Caption: A VIPA compliance officer inspecting a shop in Manples