Ministry of Internal Affairs

The Work of Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat as Minister of Internal Affairs (2017–2020, 2024–Present)

Andrew Solomon Napuat, a Member of Parliament for Tanna Constituency, has twice served as Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Vanuatu. His role oversees a broad and critical portfolio that includes labour, immigration, citizenship, local authorities (decentralisation), civil status, physical planning, security, and law enforcement.

First Term (2017–2020)

During his first appointment under the Charlot Salwai Government (2017–2020), Napuat focused on:

Decentralisation & Provincial Empowerment: He championed policies to empower local government councils and strengthen service delivery in the provinces.
Immigration Reform: Introduced digital improvements in the immigration department to speed up visa and passport processing.
Labour Mobility & Employment: Worked on enhancing access to seasonal work schemes abroad, particularly with New Zealand and Australia, creating new opportunities for Ni-Vanuatu workers.
Civil Status Modernisation: Oversaw upgrades to the national civil registry system to improve the accuracy and security of birth, marriage, and death records.
Community Policing: Promoted peacebuilding and strengthened community-police engagement to reduce rural crime and improve trust.

Current Term (2024–Present)

Reappointed in August 2024 after the dissolution of Parliament, Minister Napuat resumed the portfolio with a renewed focus on post-crisis recovery, digital governance, and local empowerment:

1. Post-Disaster Urban Rebuilding

Following the December 2024 earthquake, Minister Napuat played a visible leadership role in:

Coordinating inter-agency efforts to restore civil services in Port Vila.
Leading urban planning initiatives to rebuild critical infrastructure with improved safety standards.
Working with municipal and provincial councils to decentralise disaster response systems.

2. Labour & Employment Policies

Advocated for fair treatment and increased benefits for Ni-Vanuatu workers abroad under labour mobility schemes.
Strengthened oversight of recruitment agents and launched initiatives to improve job matching for youth and rural workers.
Opened consultations on new labour laws to protect domestic workers and address wage inequalities.

3. Immigration & Passport Services

Launched improvements to passport issuance, cutting delays and increasing security protocols.
Led reforms in the citizenship program, especially around due diligence and compliance with international transparency standards.

4. Strengthening Local Authorities

Revitalised the Decentralisation Roadmap, empowering provincial governments with greater budget control and capacity-building support.
Worked closely with area councils to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

5. Civil Status & Identity Management

Oversaw the digitisation of civil registration systems, aiming to provide every Ni-Vanuatu with a secure, verifiable identity.
Promoted the integration of civil status data across ministries to improve planning and accountability.

6. Public Safety and Police Reform

Directed efforts to modernise the Vanuatu Police Force, including recruitment, community engagement, and training in gender-sensitive approaches.
Supported legislation targeting domestic violence and youth crime prevention.

A Minister Focused on People and Decentralisation

Minister Napuat is widely known for his direct engagement with communities, particularly in his home province of Tafea. His commitment to decentralisation, labour empowerment, and service delivery reform has defined both of his tenures. From rural councils to national frameworks, his policies aim to build a Vanuatu where governance is closer to the people, responsive, and inclusive.