The Caribbean media is buzzing with the news that the Government of Antigua is aware that the United Kingdom is conducting an investigation into whether Citizenship by Investment (CBI/CIP) passports issued by the five East Caribbean states who participate in that program constitute a National Security threat. While no details have appeared regarding this issue, if the UK makes a determination that a bona fide threat exists, and terminates visa-free entry for these Commonwealth jurisdictions, will it spell the end of the attraction these passports have for citizens of high-risk countries?
While we have no information regarding the factual basis for the UK investigation, Russian nationals are among the largest group of purchasers of CBI passports, and given the sanctions surrounding the Ukraine invasion, it's possible that this may be the reason, but again we are in the dark about the reason. In any event, the loss of visa-free entry right into the UK which, along with Schengen-zone entry, is the real reason anyone would spend that amount of money for a passport from a small Caribbean nation, might spell the death knell of the CBI industry, revenue from which has supported East Caribbean governmental budgets for a long time, as well as given money launderers and sundry financial criminals freedom to enter Europe at will. We shall endeavor to obtain further information on this critical topic forthwith.
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