Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1696587555071.pdf (Vanuatu)
What happens after I made my request?

The public authority will confirm in writing that they have received your application.

This must happen within 5 calendar days of submitting your request.

The RTI Officer then has 30 calendar days to process your request and decide to grant, refuse or defer it.

Day one is the day after the authority receives your request.
NOTE: If your request requires a lot of research or if there is another good reason to do so, the public authorities can extend the waiting period by another 14 calendar days.

If this is the case, you will receive a letter from the RTI Officer explaining the reason for the extension.

If you are granted access to the record and you request copies, the public authority will give you an estimate of the cost.

How much will it cost me?

There is not application fee and no inspection fee.
This means you can look at any document or listen to any RTI record without any charges once you have been granted access.

You will only be charged for copies of documents if you want documents in a different format than the one presented to you.

A public authority may charge you for the reproduction, change of format and disbursement costs.

Reproduction fees must not exceed VT50,000.

The RTI Officer What if I believe the public authority holds information about me that is incorrect?
The RTI Act also gives you the right to have documents concerning your personal affairs amended if you believe they are incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out of date.

Prior to making your request you may wish to talk to someone from the agency that holds the documents you would like to amend.

What can I do if I’m unhappy with an agency’s decision?

When an agency has dealt with your application you will be notified of the outcome in writing.
If the agency has refused access to some or all of the documents you applied for, or refused to amend your personal affairs, their notification will explain why.

You will also be advised about the steps you can take to seek a review of the decision that has been made.

Your Right to Know How to use Right to Information in Vanuatu For Further Information contact: Right to Information Unit Tel: +678 23150 (Ext/VOIP 2680) Email: rti@vanuatu.gov.vu Government of Vanuatu What is Right to Information?
The Vanuatu Right to Information Act No.

13 of 2016 (RTI Act) gives you legally enforceable right to access documents, subject to some exemptions.

The right applies to documents held by Ministries and government departments, statutory and regulatory bodies, public hospitals, local government councils, and any organizations' providing public service and receiving funds directly or indirectly from the Government of Vanuatu.

What types of documents can I access?


You can ask to see any kind of information recorded by a government agency regardless of the age of the information.
This includes any records in writing; a document, manuscript and file; or a film (including microfilm), negative, microfiche and facsimile copy of a document; or a map, plan, graph or drawing; or a photograph; or a disc, tape, sound track, or other device in which sounds are embodied; or an email, memo, opinion, advice, press release, circular, order, logbook, contract, report, samples and models.
When asking for information, try to be as specific as possible and think how you can define your request to ensure a speedy answer.

Which Government bodies are covered?

Under Vanuatu’s RTI Law you have the right to get information from any of the following Vanuatu public authorities: 1.

Office of the Government Chief Information Officer Department of Tourism National Statistics Office Agriculture Department Forestry Department Livestock Department Customs Department 2.

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How do I make a request?

FACT: Anyone can make a request.

To help you clarify your request or work out whether RTI is the right approach, you may wish to talk to the RTI Officer at one of the public authorities above that holds the documents you would like to access.

To do this call the government authority and ask to speak to their RTI Officer.

If you decide to proceed with an RTI application, visit www.rti.gov.vu and download a RTI request form.
If you prefer you can also write a letter that meets the requirements of section 13 of the RTI Act.

You can also call directly and provide your details to which the RTI Officer is responsible in documenting your RTI request.
Your request must include the following information:  a postal address, telephone number, fax number or email address; and  a format of access ; and  The language in which the information is to be granted is to be supplied; and  An indication of whether the application is being made on behalf of a person and the submission of proof of the capacity in which the applicant is making the applicant, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Right to Information Officer; and  If the application is being made to a private entity; and  An indication of whether the applicant believes the information is necessary to safeguard the life or liberty of himself or herself or any other person, and the basis for that belief.
Are there any documents that are not available?

While agencies aim to provide access to the maximum amount of information possible, a number of exemptions exist to protect certain types of documents.
The types of documents that may be exempt include:          Personal Information Legal Privilege Commercial and confidential information Health and safety Law enforcement Defence and security Economic interests of the state Policy making and operations of Agencies Information relating to protected sites and the environment