NEW DELHI- Vanuatu has canceled the passport of former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, citing concerns that he was using it to evade extradition to India. Prime Minister Jotham Napat emphasized that citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and ordered its revocation.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister directed the cancellation of Lalit Modi's passport after reports suggested he acquired it to avoid extradition. Vanuatu's quick citizenship process appeals to NRIs seeking tax benefits,

Prime Minister emphasised that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must seek citizenship for legitimate reasons.

The move will potentially make Lalit Modi an illegal alien in the UK as he recently applied to the Indian high commission in London to surrender his Indian passport after obtaining Vanuatu citizenship

Lalit Modi is wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies in connection with allegations that he was involved in embezzlement of crores of rupees during his stint as the top boss of the IPL.

Lalit Modi, former IPL chairman, has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London. He has acquired citizenship of Vanuatu and is facing legal scrutiny for financial irregularities.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat said that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must provide legitimate reasons for citizenship.

Modi is known to have acquired citizenship of Vanuatu, a South Pacific Island nation. He left India in 2010 and is learnt to have been living in London.

Lalit Modi challenges Vanuatu government's decision to revoke his passport in court. Modi, currently in Vanuatu, has appealed the cancellation of his citizenship. India's high commission in London had refused his request to surrender his Indian passport.

Lalit Modi is wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies in connection with allegations of embezzlement of crores of rupees during his stint as the IPL chief