Antigua and Barbuda is among five Caribbean states named as operating what the EU describes as “large-scale” programmes, alongside Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. The Commission says these schemes present a “significant and ongoing challenge” to EU border security.
More than 100,000 citizenships have been issued across the five countries. The report notes that Antigua and Barbuda has a rejection rate of about 1.7%, which it says raises concerns about the strength of screening processes.
Regional governments have introduced reforms, including a minimum investment threshold of US$200,000, enhanced due diligence and greater information sharing. However, the Commission says these measures do not remove the risks and insists stricter checks must continue while the programmes remain in place.
Under revised rules, the EU can begin a staged process that could lead to visa-free access being suspended. The Commission points to Georgia, where diplomatic visa-free travel is due to be removed, as an example of how sanctions could be applied.
Citizenship-by-investment revenues play a key role in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, helping to fund infrastructure, debt reduction and climate resilience projects. Any loss of visa-free travel could reduce investor demand and affect public finances.
The report reiterates that closer integration with the EU is incompatible with investor citizenship schemes, citing a recent European court ruling against Malta’s programme.
While no timeline has been set, the Commission says further action could follow. Caribbean governments are expected to defend the programmes, arguing they support development and meet international standards.
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The screening rate is low because there are pre-screenings way before the application reaches the CIU by the brokers and licensed agents.
What happens to the recent social security investment into Jolly Beach if this program ends?
I hope the governments are working on tightening the requirements for CIP approval
I would admit that I am a proponent of the CIP. Our collective country’s cannot survive solely on the taxes that is collected from citizens. Our needs are far greater than the taxes that we collect. Dilapidated infrastructure, medical needs at a time when costs are astronomical, education needs and more, demands a lot more money. Our governments are forced to come up with innovative ways to meet cost and prevent a total collapse of our economies. The CIP is workable but we have to make necessary adjustments if we are to be acceptable and stay out of trouble. Whilst it is important to make lots of money, it is better to err on the side of caution and make less money with a well regulated and acceptable program than to have a program that causes us endless problems. For the next 3 years, our CIP would be heavily scrutinized by both the US, the EU and others. As Kenny Roger’s said in his Gambler song, ” we have to know when to hold them, when to fold them, when to walk away and run ” We need to better learn the secret to survival.
I personally think it is the begin of the end of these programmes. No countries is going to put their security at risk especially in time like these.