Vanuatu's Investment Promotion Authority has clarified that people who become naturalised citizens are eligible under the law to go into business in areas set aside for ni-Vanuatu.
The Daily Post newspaper says the Authority was forced to make the clarification after social media attacks on the mayor of Port Vila Ulrich Sumptoh for approving a business licence of two Chinese men to own and operate a kava bar in Port Vila.
The two Chinese had become naturalised citizens.
The Authority has defended the mayor saying all naturalised citizens have the same rights as indigenous ni-Vanuatu when it comes to the types of business they can get involved in.
