In-Country Visits by Approved Employers

The following is the latest information for employers who wish to enter Vanautu for the purpose of recruiting workers. It provides some information on the process for supporting any in-country visits by RSEs and Approved Employers, and what the Vanuatu Government requirements are for these visits.  To undertake a ‘work-related’ trip to Vanuatu, all persons representing an Approved Employer must apply for the following Government visas and permits – as a mandatory requirement for entry into Vanuatu:

Those employers who use agents can arrange this through  them.

STEP 1 (complete this step first):

• Work permit exemption (Department of Labour)
  • Completion of a request letter by Management of AE business (see attached example) and have it signed by CEO/Owner or by whoever is most relevant.
  • Please fill out ‘work permit exemption’ (sample attached).
  • Payment to Vanuatu Government Cashier of 30,000vt (application fee and tax).  Don’t forget to get your receipt! 😊
  • Include all supporting documentation as per Work Exemption Checklist highlighted

Once Work Permit is granted/issued – proceed to step 2.

STEP 2 (final step):

• Business visa (Department of Immigration):
  • A completed business visa form (attached), with passport photo included (a printed headshot ‘selfie’ on a white background is accepted for this process.  Email selfie photo to Top Shots to print in passport size)
  • Payment to Vanuatu Government Cashier of 35,000vt for multiple entry or 20,000 single entry.  Don’t forget to get your receipt! 😊
  • A support letter must be provided by the Commissioner of Labour to submit as part of completed paperwork to Department of Immigration.  Please send a request for a CoL support letter to gvuti@vanuatu.gov.vu to co-ordinate on your behalf.

• Lodgement:
  • Payments must be made to the Vanuatu Government Cashier and receipts provided with completed forms at time of submission.  Documentation will not be issued without receipts provided.
  • Allow a minimum of 3 weeks processing, from time of lodgement.
  • Hard copies must be available to provide to Vanuatu Immigration upon arrival into Vanuatu by AEs/Representatives.

Please note that there are heavy Government penalties imposed for any ‘work-related’ visits by AEs while on a Tourist Visa in Vanuatu.  Please encourage your AEs to follow the correct processes when visiting Vanuatu for Labour Mobility purposes.