Saint Kitts introduces a mandatory residency requirement for the CBI program, Dominica responds to the threat of a ban on entry to the United States
Saint Kitts and Nevis and Dominica are actively preparing reforms to their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs amid reports of possible restrictions on entry to the United States for citizens of 36 countries.
πΉ Saint Kitts: residential regulation and biometrics
Prime Minister Terrance Drew confirmed that the new law will require mandatory residence in the country for all future participants in the program. "Let me say this clearly: the residency rule and biometrics will become part of a new law that will be adopted soon in a few weeks."
This is a drastic change for the region: previously, Saint Kitts was among the most attractive CBI countries due to the lack of requirements for actual residence. But now, in response to American concerns, St. Kitts is implementing:
- Minimum resident status for each applicant;
- Biometric identification and mandatory in-person (or verified online) interviews;
- An improved system of data verification and biometrics .
According to Drew, the measures are not aimed at reacting, but at strengthening the reliability and reputation of the program. He stressed: "The CBI is not a private club organization, but a public affair... it is about protecting national interests, passports and international trust"
He also noted that despite the return of nine people deported from the United States, the programs and trips are functioning unchanged, and diplomats have already contacted the embassy in Barbados and received assurances that there have been no official notifications from the State Department.
πΉ Dominica: a new legislative initiative will be the response
Prime Minister Roosevelt Scarrit commented on the situation for the first time, assuring the people: "there is no need to panic." His Government will draft a new law that includes:
- Prohibition on name change after obtaining CBI citizenship;
- Other administrative changes agreed upon at regional consultations;
- Creation of an independent regulatory body for CBI programs;
- Transparent interaction on the part of the authorities β "all information will be available"
Scarrit also stated that one of the reasons for the initiated pressure from the United States was cases of illegal migration and visa overstaying by Dominican Americans. Dominica intends to work closely with its international partners, including the United States, "in the name of protecting the national interests and rights of our citizens"
π Summary and meaning
- Mandatory residence: Saint Kitts introduces for the first time a strict rule requiring personal presence on its territory in order to increase confidence in the CBI program. Biometrics and add-ons. measures: The inclusion of biometric data in the interview requirements and collection is a step towards increasing transparency and security.
- Dominica increases control: The new legislation will prohibit name changes, impose administrative restrictions and create a supervisory authority β this is a reaction to pressure from the United States.
- Diplomacy in action: Despite rumors of a ban for 36 countries, there have been no official notifications; however, Caribbean countries are preparing in advance to avoid sanctions.
These measures demonstrate the desire of regional leaders to preserve their citizens' access to the global mobile space, strengthening the reputation of CBI programs and reducing the risks of isolation from the United States.
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