KOROR, Palau — A former honorary consul to Monaco is contesting his inclusion on Palau’s list of undesirable aliens, a designation that bars individuals from entering the country under a law allowing the president to deny entry “in the best interest of the Republic.”
George Victor Malek, a British citizen and former honorary consul representing Palau in Monaco, said he only learned of his status after a friend saw it in a news report.
“I had already bought a ticket to Palau when I heard about it,” Malek said. “If I hadn’t been told, I could have arrived at the airport and been turned away.”
Malek has written letters to several Palauan and British authorities, including President Surangel Whipps Jr., National Security Advisor Jennifer Anson, Special Prosecutor Tamara Hutzler, the British Foreign Affairs Office, and the British Embassy in the Philippines, seeking assistance in removing his name from the list.
In his correspondence, Malek suggested the issue may stem from a misunderstanding. He claimed an immigration officer refunded his Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) from his airline ticket without him requesting it. He offered to repay the amount “a hundred times over” to resolve the matter. Under Palau’s PPEF law, diplomats are entitled to refunds of the fee included in airline tickets.
However, Palauan authorities cited a different reason for his designation: use of a so-called “fantasy passport.” According to officials, Malek attempted to enter Palau using a document titled “International Human Rights Defence Committee Diplomatic Passport,” which they say is not recognized by any legitimate government. Fantasy passports are novelty or politically motivated documents that lack official recognition and are not valid for international travel.
Malek disputed this claim, stating the passport is machine-readable, contains proper stamps, and has been accepted by immigration officials in previous travels to Palau and other countries.
“There was no problem before,” he said.
Palauan officials also alleged Malek misused diplomatic status to avoid import taxes on goods brought in for his business activities in Palau — a claim he vehemently denies.
“I have never imported anything from anywhere with me,” Malek said. He also expressed frustration at not being notified of the allegations or given an opportunity to respond before being placed on the list.
In February, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro relieved Malek of his duties as honorary consul, formally thanking him for his service.
The government has not issued a formal statement in response to Malek’s appeal.