On behalf of the Vanuatu Agent’s Committee we extend our condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the recent catastrophic earthquake. Our love and support also extends to the survivors within our seasonal worker communities around Efate and neighbouring
islands.
Communication and movement has been difficult. As such, the Committee has been actively asking questions and seeking solutions for those workers, agents and other stakeholders on what happens now regarding recruitment.
The purpose of this communique is to distil the latest information from official sources to in order to help reduce movement around Port Vila thereby assisting the authorities, and to provide answers to agents and workers on what temporary arrangements are in place.
Update - 20/01/2025
- Police advise that police clearances are available for collection from Independence Park Grandstand Monday to Friday AFTER 3PM ONLY
- Konect, advise they have relocated to Don Taileur, opposite Wantok, Nambatu
Police Clearances and Medicals
In an effort to assist the police and emergency authorities The Vanuatu Agents Committee recommends the following as a way to reduce the amount of time and movement of workers around Vila. If workers follow these steps, their time in and around Port Vila will be minimized and that assists in reducing traffic.

Payment though is at the Environment Unit house at Nambatu, opposite Vanuatu Ferry. It is in the same building currently being used by Customs. Look for the customs sign on the gate. (see photo ->)
Medicals at Medical Options and The Medical Centre is operating as normal.


In an effort to assist the police and emergency authorities The Vanuatu Agents Committee recommends the following as a way to reduce the amount of time and movement of workers around Vila. If workers follow these steps in order, their time in and around Port Vila will be minimized and that assists in reducing traffic.
· Collect a police form from your agent or download and print. Click the button on the right to download from the VPF website.
· Fill out the form
· Take the form and pay Finance at Nambatu
· Make your medical at The Medical Centre or Medical Options.
o Remember – no more X-Rays
· After medical, go take your police clearance form down to the temporary office at Independence Park.
- Police advise that police clearances are available for collection from Independence Park Grandstand Monday to Friday AFTER 3PM ONLY
Passport Applications/Renewals
Passport applications and payments are now located back at the old passport office behind Civil Status. Please be patient as there could be significant wait times.
Payment and photos for passports are made at the same office.
The official advisory from the Director of Immigration is on the right.

Making ID Photos (for RSE workers only)
Since Top Shots is closed, RSE workers requiring two passport photos for their visa application are advised to get their photos from Konnect Ltd relocated to Don Tailleur.
We strongly advise against getting photos taken by stores around town, since over half of them do not meet the standards for visa applications.
It is a good idea for RSE workers to get the photos at the same time they go to Nambatu to pay for their police clearances.
Workers who go through Empower SWR as their agent can get ID photos directly from Dan.

Pre Departure Briefings
Due to the current risk assessment status of the DoL compound, the advisory from the ESU is that all Pre Departure sessions are being held at VCC only. Please do not go up to the ESU at Independence Park.
[For agents] “All VCC sessions are available in the IRD for worker bookings, as per normal process."

Program Manager (Vanuatu) - Pacific Labour Mobility
Support Program
RSE-specific Instructions for Agents and Employers
MBIE have released an official temporary process for visa processing. Agents please note the process. For those RSEs who use agents, at the time of this communique’s drafting, agents have already successfully submitted visa applications via MBIEs method below. Once familiar the process is working well.
The Vanuatu VAC is still currently closed, and not yet been cleared to reopen, applications can be temporarily sent to this email address RSE_SouthPacific@vfsglobal.com where VAC staff in Suva will pick up - pending payment confirmation of the application(s) and receipt of complete applications with all the required documents, the VAC will then be able to lodge.
Please note: It is really important for applications to only be sent through that are complete, have all the required documentation with them, and have had the required fee payment made and proof of payment sent. This helps to minimise further delays with lodgement.
In the interim, work is being carried out to establish a temporary pop-up VAC in Vanuatu, and we will advise details as soon as possible.
Employers please note:
- Visa applications that were lodged with the Vanuatu VAC prior to the earthquake are being processed or completed as long as all the required documents have been provided. If payment of fees was completed before then, you do not need to repay. Original payments made will be reconciled to the applications prior to the earthquake by VFS and confirmation sent to the RSE_SouthPacific@vfsglobal.com email address. There may be a delay, but we ask for your patience as this is being done. You can also send a photo of your payment to the above email address to confirm that you have paid. The VAC can receive up to 40 MB size emails and this has not been an issue.
- Posts Vanuatu earthquake: If you have already made payment in VUT or NZD, the VAC in Fiji will honour all payments and lodge as long as the applications are ready.
- For new Vanuatu RSE visa applications that have yet to be lodged with the VAC, payment of fees can be done in VUT
... All RSE applications that are complete, will be processed within the agreed 5-day turnaround window or sooner if they are able.

Advice to workers (and awareness for employers)
For those of you coming from the islands, please be aware of infrastructure damage around Efate. Although social media is packed with the major damage to commercial buildings around Port Vila, your family around Efate may have issues with damage to their own homes or to roads leading to the villages. A lot of people that you know may be experiencing trauma or stress.
Normally there is enough pressure on hosting family members in Efate prior to a worker travelling. Where possible agents will aim to minimize workers time on Efate and to try and make visits to town as efficient and time friendly as possible.
If you or your family is struggling with your commitments, please reach out to your agent who is here to help and give advice. There may be a workaround to save you travel and so reduce the burden on your family.
Advice for Employers
For employers, we ask for your consideration and patience during this period and be rest assured that agents are doing their best to balance worker and worker family needs and pressures with timely visa applications and flight booking commitments. Workers may not be in a good position (financially and logistically) to fly/ship to and from Vila months ahead of time. Each agent is finding remote solutions to manage this, although each one of us is also significantly affected. Please have a conversation directly with your agent about this.
If you have any concerns or need clarification on any issue or have been unable to reach the ESU, please feel free to reach out to the Vanuatu Agents’ Committee.