special member was a member of the Commonwealth of Nations whose participation was limited in certain functions . Originally , it was a status held by a few newly joined countries , whose involvement was limited by its own limited financial resources . More recently , the name has been changed to member in arrears , from the 2007 CHOGM on the recommendation of the Committee on Commonwealth Membership . The guidelines came from the 2003 CHOGM in Abuja that strengthened and replaced the 1999 CHOGM Durban guidelines . They are not required to make payments to the Commonwealth . They may attend most functions and organs of the Commonwealth , but are not invited to attend Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings . They are , although limited in these respects , still considered members of the Commonwealth
2007 CHOGM
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2007
Special membership of the Commonwealth of Nations