Vanuatu passport issuance under scrutiny after official fired over travel document

Vanuatu's Public Service Commission (PSC) has terminated the Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DoFA), Mark Esrom Vano, after a disciplinary process over a diplomatic passport he authorised. Mr. Vano admitted signing the paperwork that allowed the passport to be issued to a Trade Commissioner without the approval the law requires.

Key facts

• Official dismissed: Mark Esrom Vano, Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs
• Decision maker: the Public Service Commission, following a disciplinary process
• Issue at stake: authorisation of a diplomatic passport for Trade Commissioner to Thailand Liao Shaoyuan
• Alleged breach: Section 31 (1) and (2) of the Foreign Service Act No.20 of 2013
• Effect: the termination takes effect in accordance with the Commission's final determination

What happened?

According to the Public Service Commission, Mr. Vano admitted fault for signing documentation that authorised the issuance of a diplomatic passport to the Trade Commissioner to Thailand, Liao Shaoyuan. The Commission said he did so without the prior endorsement of the then Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Noah Patrick Kouback.

What rule was broken?

The Commission found the conduct contrary to Section 31 (1) and (2) of the Foreign Service Act No.20 of 2013, which vests the relevant authority in the Director General. It treated the matter as particularly serious because the conduct had the potential to compromise national security and to undermine the sovereignty and integrity of Vanuatu.

In its determination, the Commission also stressed the fundamental obligation of every public servant to uphold allegiance to the Constitution, the laws and the people of Vanuatu. It reiterated that public servants must act in the public interest and must not allow their official functions to be influenced by the personal or political interests of any Minister or third party.

What are the consequences for the official?

The Public Service Commission acknowledged Mr. Vano's service to the government and people of Vanuatu and wished him well in his future endeavours. His termination takes effect in accordance with the Commission's final determination, and he will receive all his employment entitlements. Mr. Vano could not be reached for comment.

The decision concerns a diplomatic passport and an internal authorisation process; the source gives no details of any change to ordinary passport procedures or entry rules for travellers. No further steps or dates have been announced.