The Palau government’s list of “undesirable aliens” has grown to 441 individuals, a sharp increase from 230 in 2022, according to the Office of the Attorney General’s latest report as of December 23, 2024.
The list includes foreign nationals whose entry permits were denied or revoked by presidential order for reasons deemed to be in the country’s best interests. The list dates back to 2016, with names submitted by former President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and subsequent additions by President Surangel Whipps Jr., including the latest entries.
Citizens from 17 countries appear on the list, with the majority—296 individuals—coming from the People’s Republic of China. Other nations represented include the Philippines (49 individuals), Bangladesh (36), Vanuatu (10), Vietnam (6), Taiwan (4), and Malaysia (4). There are also entries from India (2), and one individual each from the United States, St. Kitts, Yap (Federated States of Micronesia), Nepal, Singapore, Cameroon, Suriname, Turkey, and Cyprus.
Many of the Chinese nationals on the list were implicated in online gambling operations and either self-deported or were ordered to leave in 2022. Since then, their numbers have grown to 296.
Palau’s Immigration Act, codified in 13 PNCA Section 1005, grants the president authority to deny or revoke entry permits if such actions are deemed “in the best interest of the Republic.” The criteria include acts of treason against the United States, Palau’s key ally.
Individuals on the list are either deported by court order, self-deported, or identified by the president as meeting any of nine legal criteria for classification as an “undesirable alien.”