Vanuatu > General provisions

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Employment (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act No. 10 of 2019). -

Adoption: 2019-12-23 | VUT-2019-L-112146

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Environmental Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act No. 6 of 2019). -

Adoption: 2019-06-24 | VUT-2019-L-112149

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Right to Information (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act No. 4 of 2019). -

Adoption: 2019-06-24 | VUT-2019-L-112152

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Companies (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act No. 27 of 2018). -

Adoption: 2018-12-24 | VUT-2018-L-112060

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2018 (Act No. 34 of 2018). -

Adoption: 2018-07-06 | VUT-2018-L-112059

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

National Green Energy Fund Act 2018 (Act No. 10 of 2018). -

Adoption: 2018-07-06 | VUT-2018-L-112139

An Act to provide for the establishment of the National Green Energy Fund and for its related matters.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Environmental Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Act 2017 (Act No. 24 of 2017). -

Adoption: 2018-01-02 | VUT-2018-L-112148

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act 2016 (Act No. 25 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2017-01-26 | VUT-2017-L-105148

An Act to provide for the provisions of meteorology, geological hazards and climate change and for related purposes.

The objectives of this Act are to:
(a) ensure that high quality services are provided in relation to weather, climate, flood forecasting and geological hazards in Vanuatu; and
(b) promote capacities of governments, communities and organisations to understand and respond to risks arising from weather events, climate change and geological hazards; and
(c) specifically address the needs of operators of ships and aircrafts and of tourists, to access all necessary weather forecasts, bulletins, alerts, warnings and information concerning geological hazards which may impact upon the safety of their operations or activities; and
(d) facilitate the use and application within Vanuatu of relevant information, forecasts, bulletins and warnings generated and disseminated to and by local, regional and international bodies; and
(e) ensure that the government and the public are informed of matters related to weather, climate and geological hazards, and are able to make effective use of such information and data, and to respond to warnings and alerts about such events, in order to protect the environment and the safety and welfare of the community.

Repeals the Meteorology Act [CAP 204].

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2016 (Act No. 15 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-12-20 | Date of entry into force: 2017-02-24 | VUT-2016-L-105150

Amends the Penal Code, inter alia, by inserting a new section 92A entitled "Abduction of a person under 18 years of age" which concerns the sexual exploitation of children under the age of 18 years old.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Right to Information Act 2016 (Act No. 13 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-12-20 | Date of entry into force: 2017-02-06 | VUT-2016-L-105151

An Act to provide for the guarantee of the right to information of all persons and to establish practical effective mechanisms supportive of that right and for related matters.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2016 (Act No. 16 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-12-20 | Date of entry into force: 2017-02-14 | VUT-2016-L-105153

An Act to provide for the amendments to certain Acts. The following Acts are amended as set out in the Schedule:

(1) Customs Act No.7 of 2013;
(2) Employment Act [CAP 160];
(3) Forestry Act [CAP 276];
(4) Government Remuneration Tribunal [CAP 250]
(5) Police Act [CAP 105];
(6) Proceeds of Crime Act [CAP 284]
(7) Vanuatu Financial Services Commission Act [CAP 229];

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2016 (Act No. 20 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-12-15 | Date of entry into force: 2016-12-16 | VUT-2016-L-105144

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2016 (Act No. 8 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-06-27 | Date of entry into force: 2016-07-08 | VUT-2016-L-105145

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Paris Agreement (Ratification) Act 2016 (Act No. 9 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-06-27 | Date of entry into force: 2016-07-29 | VUT-2016-L-105149

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2016 (Act No. 6 of 2016). -

Adoption: 2016-06-27 | VUT-2016-L-105152

An Act to provide for the amendments to certain Acts. The following Acts are amended as set out in the Schedule:
(a) Bill of Sale (Amendment) Regulation Act No. 6 of 2009;
(b) Business Licence Act [CAP 249];
(c) Companies Act No. 25 of 2012;
(d) Customs Act No. 7 of 2013;
(e) Employment Act [CAP 160];
(f) Health and Safety at Work Act [CAP 195];
(g) Labour (Work Permits) Act [CAP 187];
(h) Maritime Zones Act No. 6 of 2010;
(i) Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act [CAP 285];
(ia) Oaths Act [CAP 37];
(j) Parliament (Administration) Act [CAP 306];
(k) Proceeds of Crime Act [CAP 284];
(l) Tobacco Control Act No. 19 of 2008.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2014 (Act No. 18 of 2014). -

Adoption: 2014-06-19 | Date of entry into force: 2014-07-08 | VUT-2014-L-98710

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Industrial Development Act 2014 (Act No. 19 of 2014). -

Adoption: 2014-06-19 | VUT-2014-L-98714

An Act to make provision for the implementation of the National Industrial Policy to promote, facilitate and support the growth of sustainable and value added industry in Vanuatu and to provide for related matters.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2013 (Act No. 39 of 2013). -

Adoption: 2014-01-16 | Date of entry into force: 2014-01-21 | VUT-2014-L-96916

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Constitution (Sixth) (Amendment) Act 2013 (Act No. 27 of 2013). -

Adoption: 2013-12-20 | VUT-2013-L-96915

Amends the Constitution to enable the recognition of dual citizenship.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2012 (Act No. 10 of 2012). -

Adoption: 2012-04-26 | VUT-2012-L-96910

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Employment (Amendment) Act 2010 (Act No. 25 of 2010). -

Adoption: 2011-01-17 | Date of entry into force: 2011-02-07 | VUT-2010-L-88483

Makes numerous amendments to the Principal Act in particular by introducing a new section 1A entitled Tripartite Labour Advisory Council.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Employment (Amendment) Act 2009 (Act No. 33 of 2009). -

Adoption: 2009-10-19 | Date of entry into force: 2009-10-26 | VUT-2009-L-88499

Amends sections 29(1) (annual leave), 34(3) (medical certificate), 36(1), 36(2) and 36(2)(b) (maternity leave), 54(1)(d) is repealed and substituted with text concerning rights of employees after 6 years continuous service and minor numbering amendment is made to section 56(2)(a).

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Companies (Amendment) Act 2009 (Act No. 5 of 2009). -

Adoption: 2009-04-22 | Date of entry into force: 2009-05-05 | VUT-2009-L-88498

Inserts a new section 99A entitled Application of Part 4 to the provisions of the Personal Securities Act No. 17 of 2008.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Family Protection Act 2008 (Act No. 28 of 2008). -

Adoption: 2008-12-22 | Date of entry into force: 2009-03-02 | VUT-2008-L-88503

An Act to provide for an offence of domestic violence and family protection orders in cases of domestic violence, and for related purpose.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Ratification) Act 2008 (Act No. 11 of 2008). -

Adoption: 2008-06-11 | Date of entry into force: 2008-06-23 | VUT-2008-L-88504

An Act to provide for the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Employment (Amendment) Act 2008 (No. 31 of 2008). -

Adoption: 2008-06-08 | Date of entry into force: 2009-10-26 | VUT-2008-L-88502

Makes numerous amendments to the Act in particular with respect to maternity leave.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2006 (No. 25 of 2006). -

Adoption: 2006-12-12 | Date of entry into force: 2007-03-01 | VUT-2006-L-88515

Repeals sections 36-58 and inserts new Part IA concerning sentencing (sections 36-58ZH). Also enters new section 89A and amends sections 90-92, 94, 97-98, 99, and 101 concerning sexual offences.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2006 (No. 14 of 2006). -

Adoption: 2006-07-17 | VUT-2006-L-88508

Repeals Sections 118 (Promotion of reconciliation) and 119 (Account to be taken of compensation by custom).

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Environmental Management and Conservation Act 2002 (Act No. 12 of 2002). -

Adoption: 2003-03-10 | VUT-2003-L-112147

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Ombudsman Act [Cap 252] (No. 27 of 1998). -

Adoption: 1999-01-11 | Date of entry into force: 1999-01-11 | VUT-1999-L-42141

Establishes the post of Ombudsman with the power to investigate alleged unlawful acts by any branch of the Government.

Repeals the Ombudsman Act 1995 (No. 14 of 1995).

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Employment (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 1995. -

Adoption: 1995-08-11 | Date of entry into force: 1995-08-28 | VUT-1995-L-42143

Amends section 54(1) of Employment Act [Cap. 160] providing severance pay for employees who have worked at an establishment for more than 12 months. Also amends section 20 by substituting "1 year" with "3 years".

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Vanuatu Act [Cap 236] (Act No. 4 of 1995). -

Adoption: 1995-06-05 | VUT-1995-L-83125

An Act to provide for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vanuatu, local chambers and for connected purposes.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Public Health Act (Act 22 of 1994). -

Adoption: 1995-04-25 | VUT-1995-L-112766

PART 1 – PRELIMINARY
PART 2 – ADMINISTRATION
PART 3 – PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF NOTIFIABLE DISEASES
PART 4 – NUISANCE
PART 5 – PREVENTION AND DESTRUCTION OF MOSQUITOES AND VERMIN
PART 6 – FILTHY OR VERMINOUS PREMISES OR ARTICLES AND VERMINOUS PERSONS
PART 7 – PROVISION AND PROTECTION OF WATER SUPPLY
PART 8 – SANITATION AND WASTE DISPOSAL
PART 9 – PROVISIONS RELATING TO VESSELS
PART 10 – BUILDINGS AND HOUSING
PART 11 – SWIMMING POOLS
PART 12 – CONTROL OF BABY FEEDS
PART 13 – CONTROL OF SMOKING
PART 14 – SEAT BELTS AND SAFETY OF INFANTS IN MOTOR VEHICLES
PART 15 – FINANCIAL
PART 16 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Vanuatu - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Compensation (Forms) Regulations No. 29 of 1994.

Adoption: 1994-10-12 | Date of entry into force: 1994-10-17 | VUT-1994-R-42137

Provides forms for claims under Compensation Act No. 11 of 1994.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Companies Act 1986 [Cap. 191] (Act No. 12 of 1986). -

Adoption: 1986 | Date of entry into force: 1986-10-26 | VUT-1986-L-3798

Amends and consolidates the whole of Vanuatu compamy law (including 413 sections and seven schedules).

Vanuatu - General provisions - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Employment Act 1983 - Employment (Employer's Register) Order 1983 (Order No. 43 of 1983). -

Adoption: 1983-08-16 | VUT-1983-R-105156

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Employment Act (Cap 160) -

Adoption: 1983-05-30 | VUT-1983-L-69554

Comprehensive labour legislation. Divided into 13 parts.

Part I: Labour Advisory Board
Part II: Appointment, Powers and Duties of Officers
Part III: General
Part IV: Contract of Employment
Part V: Remuneration
Part VI: Hours of Work and Overtime Pay
Part VIII: Employment of Women and Young Persons
Part IX: Safety Precautions and Medical Facilities
Part X: Termination of Contract
Part XI: Severance Allowance
Part XII: Repatriation of Employees
Part XIII: Miscellaneous

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Representation of the People Act (Act No. 13 of 1982) (Cap. 146). -

Adoption: 1982-07-09 | VUT-1982-L-96911

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Criminal Procedure Code [Cap 136] (Act No. 21 of 1981). -

Adoption: 1981-10-01 | VUT-1981-L-83130

Provides rules for the conducting of criminal cases.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Penal Code [Cap 135]. -

Adoption: 1981-08-07 | VUT-1981-L-88512

To provide for criminal offences and the punishments therefore, principles of criminal law, criminal responsibility and matters connected therewith.

Section 5 deals with international offences and provides for trafficking of persons. Section 102 prohibits slavery and trafficking in persons, the maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years in prison. Sections 90-101D deal with offences against morality, in particular offences committed against children. Section 150 deals with discrimination and makes it an offence to "discriminate against another person with respect to his right to the supply of goods or services, or to gain or continue in any employment, or to be admitted to any public place, by reason of the sex, ethnic or racial origin, or the religion of such other person." The penalty is up to 2 years in prison for breach of this offence.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship (Entitled Persons) Act [Cap 110] (Act No. 13 of 1980). -

Adoption: 1980-07-30 | VUT-1980-L-83126

1. Interpretation
2. Application by entitled person
3. Time for lodging applications
4. Registration of entitled person
5. Publication of names of registered citizens
6. Register
7. Loss of citizenship
8. Retention of certificates and extension of time for renunciation
9. Penalties

Vanuatu - General provisions - Law, Act

Citizenship Act [Cap 112] (Act No. 16 of 1980). -

Adoption: 1980-07-30 | VUT-1980-L-83127

Provides for citizenship by naturalization, renunciation of citizenship, and the establishment of a Citizenship Commission.

Vanuatu - General provisions - Constitution

Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu, 1980. -

Adoption: 1980 | VUT-1980-C-44017

As amended to the Third Amendment Act, 1983. The national language is Bislama; the official languages and languages of education shall be French and English. Chapter 2 contains fundamental rights and duties, including the right to life, liberty, and protection of the law; freedom of expression, assembly, religion and movement, as well as freedom from inhuman treatment and forced labour. Duties include the duty to work in "socially useful employment and, if necessary, to create ...legitimate opportunities for such employment." Chapter 3 governs citizenship; Chapter 4 Parliament; Chapter 5 the National Council of Chiefs; Chapter 6 the Head of State (the President); and Chapter 7 the Executive (Prime Minister). The judiciary is set forth in Chapter 8, including the Supreme Court. Chapter 9 relates to the public service, including the post of an Ombudsman. Chapter 10 governs emergency powers, allowing the promulgation of measures "justifiable in a democratic society," as long as they do not derogate from the right to life and freedom from inhuman treatment and forced labour (art. 69). Chapter 12 stipulates that land belongs to indigenous custom owners. Existing law shall remain in effect (s. 93).