Vanuatu's parliament has been discussing changes to the immigration act amid controversy surrounding honorary consuls.
It also follows concern about the issuing of Vanuatu visas which have been found for sale on the black market in China.
The opposition's Maxime Carlot Korman has urged the government not to give permission to foreigners acting as honorary consuls to issue visas.
Instead he says, such powers should be vested with ambassadors and consul generals who are Vanuatu nationals.
All honorary consul positions were disestablished and the minister responsible, Moana Carcasses Calosil, has assured parliament that the government has established new criteria for such postings.
The amendment is also to give police and customs officers the same powers in immigration issues.
