Non-sanctioned Russians and Belarusians may apply again for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Dario Item announces

Non-sanctioned Russians and Belarusians may apply again for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, Ambassador Dario Item announces

“Ambassador Dario Item”
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda cautiously reopens its Citizenship by Investment Program for non-sanctioned Russians and Belarusians by adopting strict scrutiny criteria, Ambassador Dario Item announces.

H.E. Dr. Dario Item, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the Kingdom of Spain, the Principality of Monaco and the Principality or Liechtenstein informs that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, having reviewed its criteria for persons, who could be considered for eligibility to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, has decided to revise its policy to include Russians and Belarusians who do not appear on any list of sanctioned persons issued by the United Nations, the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the European Community, and are not connected with any individual or entity that is subject to international sanctions.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is conscious that current circumstances in Eastern Europe have created a situation in which many qualified and talented persons in several fields are (a) seeking refuge elsewhere in the world in an unpredictable and unstructured manner, resulting in irregular and unmonitored migration; and (b) are unable to contribute their knowledge and experience in science, technology and other sectors of economic and human development.  The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is mindful that, consequent to these circumstances, the global community is being deprived of significant expertise and knowledge.

Against this background and in compliance with the principle of non-discrimination, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has decided that its CBI programme will resume consideration of non-sanctioned nationals of Russia and Belarus, for eligibility as Citizens by Investment, on the following strict criteria:

(i) applications from nationals of Belarus and Russia will be scrutinized and any such persons who appear on a sanctions list of the United Nations, the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the European Community, or connected with sanctioned individuals or entities, will be automatically disqualified;

(ii) the existing high-level of due diligence investigation by internationally reputable, independent agencies of the backgrounds of applicants will be enhanced, including but not limited to the automatic rejection of any applicants with criminal records related to money-laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and participating or promoting military or other aggression against States;

(iii) all applicants will continue to undergo inquiries from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) of their criminal record and will be required to submit Police clearance from all countries in which they have resided or to whose jurisdictions they were subject.

Further, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains mindful of the importance of its own security, and that of all members of the global community, in its assessment of persons who qualify for Citizenship by Investment, and is committed to strengthening the independence of the assessment machinery, including its transparency and independence from political or other interference.

The policy in respect of nationals of other countries remains as currently exists.

Ambassador Dario Item

Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Madrid

Media Contact
Company Name: Dario Item
Contact Person: Dr. Dario Item
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Phone: +34-911 22 99 34
Address:Calle Felipe IV nº 7
City: 28014, Madrid
State: Community of Madrid
Country: Antigua and Barbuda
Website: https://www.darioitem.com/