Caribbean passport confusion: what's the future of visa-free UK? New Challenges and Foresight for Passport Programs

Is the Caribbean passport cooler with the visa-free UK mess?

Recently, two Caribbean passport countries, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Commonwealth of Dominica, implemented mandatory interviews for all naturalization applicants age 16 and older. Immediately following this, the UK made the momentous decision to require all Caribbean countries offering CBI (i.e. Citizenship by Investment) programs to fully implement ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) by the end of the year, and to temporarily revoke Dominica's visa waiver. According to authoritative sources, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, and Grenada will also lose their visa-free treatment from the UK by the end of the year (September and October).

Commonwealth of Nations

The five Eastern Caribbean countries - Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Grenada - were all former British colonies and have maintained their Commonwealth of Nations status since independence. Of these, Dominica is a republic with its own head of state and prime minister, while the others are constitutional monarchies with the current British monarch as the supreme head of state, followed by a prime minister. These countries are members of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the International Organization of la Francophonie (Dominica and Saint Lucia only), the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the United States of America. Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Caribbean States) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The evolution of the Caribbean passport program and the value of its identity diversification

Caribbean Passport Brings Multiple Values of Identity

Starting with St. Kitts in the 1980s, the Caribbean has seen a gradual rise in citizenship investment programs, and was joined by Dominica in the 1990s. After decades of scrutiny and increased efficiency, today's Caribbean passports not only grant holders full citizenship, but also allow them to retain their nationality of origin. These countries have earned a high level of reputation and respect due to their excellent relations with the United States, the European Union, and countries in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. Holding a Caribbean passport adds the value of a pluralistic identity to its holders, breaking down the various restrictions of the country of origin and providing more freedom and opportunities, thus bringing significant benefits to their lives and careers.

Chinese and African migration brokers, misuse of Caribbean passports

During the new crown epidemic of 2019-2022, immigration agents in China and Africa have heavily promoted the visa-free nature of Caribbean passports, allowing large numbers of people to enter Europe through such passports, triggering heightened concern in the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. In response to this concern, Dominica's Prime Minister in 2022 called on the agencies not to use visa-free countries as the main selling point for their promotions, and detailed how the government would use the funds to boost the economy and create an eco-friendly Caribbean paradise that would attract European and American tourists. Despite this, immigration agents in Central Africa continue to focus on the visa-free benefits of Caribbean passports, even encouraging applicants with a history of visa refusals or criminal records to participate in fast-track naturalization programs. Moreover, since the beginning of 2018, the illegal practices of Chinese developers in St. Kitts and St. Lucia as well as disputes with the immigration authorities have been exposed several times, and the amount of money involved has exceeded billions of dollars.

The core objectives of these projects should have been to enhance the economic strength of the islands by attracting foreign investment, improve the quality of life of Caribbean nationals, support the development of health care, promote scientific and technological advances, enhance regional competitiveness and attract overseas professionals. However, the misuse of the visa-free nature of the Caribbean passport could cause problems in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States or other countries where passports of origin were difficult to enter, posing a threat to Caribbean and global interests.

MI5 warns that Chinese spies could use third-party passports to enter UK visa-free

In early 2023, MI5 issued a warning to the UK Home Office that Chinese spies may be attempting to gain easier access to the UK by purchasing citizenship of third-party countries. This warning stemmed from a report in The Times of England on April 11, 2023, which expressed deep concern that Chinese spies were using the citizenship of third-party countries as a way to gain visa-free access to the UK. As a result, the British Home Office has had to impose restrictions on the visa regime for a number of countries. At the same time, intelligence agencies remain vigilant, fearing that agents of the Chinese government and Russian spies may be copying this practice.

Grenada passport sparks widespread applications from Russian citizens

Since Grenada reopened naturalization by investment for Russian citizens in June 2022, its "Golden Passport" program has been inundated with applications, especially after the Russian-Ukrainian war that broke out in 2022, and the number of applicants has skyrocketed. By the first quarter of 2023, Grenada had admitted 980 new citizens, a significant increase from 391 in the same period in 2022. The uniqueness of Grenada's passport, which allows holders to visit the British state, the European Union, and other places without a visa, as well as enjoying the U.S.'s E visa category, may be the main reason why Russian citizens choose Grenada for their naturalization by investment.

Don't Make Innocent Russian Citizens 'Persona Non Grata', St. Lucia's Immigration Director Appeals

The Chief Executive Officer of the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, Claude Emanuel, has said in an interview that he does not agree with the blanket exclusion of all Russians of good character. Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Russia conflict, the Caribbean has united against the exclusion of applicants for Russian citizenship. Emanuel emphasized that many Russians who have lived abroad for many years and are highly productive and skilled are now being treated unfairly and innocently as undesirables because of the actions of the Russian government.

UK removes Dominica's visa waiver, other Caribbean countries like St. Lucia to follow suit

UK tightens border controls: temporary removal of visa-free access for Dominica's passport

Cabinet Minister Suella Braverman recently issued a statement making it clear that there have been serious abuses of Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program, and that there is evidence that the program has granted citizenship to people who may pose a threat to the UK. The issue has been further analyzed by web-based immigration experts, who believe that the reasons may include: firstly, Dominica's passport does not show a former name, which is still present in the new version of the chip passport; and secondly, Dominica offers its citizens full citizenship rights, which creates significant differences. It is also worth noting that Dominica's citizenship revocation policy is relatively strict, whereas in St. Lucia, the Director of Immigration has the power to revoke a person's citizenship at his or her discretion.

The UK economy contracted more in 2022 than initially estimated in the three months to September, according to revised figures from the Office for National Statistics. Meanwhile growth figures have been adjusted down. Household incomes are said to continue to fall, while in 2023 the UK will 45,000 illegal immigrants spending for the first time

Alarm bells ring before year-end in St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts, Antigua

According to George Henry of Writeups, the British government believes that those who use visa-free passports from the Caribbean to avoid British visa applications from their original nationalities, and who have never physically resided in the Caribbean, could pose a potential security problem for the UK. The UK plans to terminate its visa waiver agreements with St. Lucia and Grenada the following August and September, respectively. Similarly, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis will be affected in October, November, and December, respectively. This step is the UK's first move to launch its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program. The UK's measure follows Canada's approach in 2017, when it revoked its visa waiver agreement with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and took significant steps to improve its immigration policy and reintroduce the visa waiver regime in 2023."

Electronic travel authorization will revolutionize identity configuration

The UK economy contracted more than initially forecast in the three months to September 2022, according to the latest revised figures from the Office for National Statistics, with the main reason for this being the continued decline in household incomes. Heading into 2023, the UK Parliament is in the midst of a heated debate over the country's asylum system, as spending on accommodating 45,000 illegal immigrants per day has reached £6 million. And on a legal level, the UK has decided to suspend asylum claims for illegal immigrants. At the same time, both the European Union and the United States of America are becoming more stringent in their border management.

Against this backdrop, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has become a mandatory approval process for inbound travelers in major global countries. This will undoubtedly have a profound impact on travelers worldwide. For travelers with visa-free passports, such as those holding St. Kitts Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica and Antigua passports, they are now required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to visiting any of these countries or territories. This new travel authorization process is designed to enhance security management at the borders, as well as to capture more information about visa-free visitors.

Currently, several countries or regions around the world have implemented electronic travel authorization systems, including the UK's ETA, South Korea's K-ETA, the European Union's ETIAS, and ESTA in the U.S. Adequate knowledge and preparation prior to travel is essential for future travel plans. This approach enhances travel security and is an important part of the current international travel trend.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in the United Kingdom

This year, countries including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will need to pre-apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they wish to enter the UK. ). In addition, to further enhance border security, the UK plans to extend and implement this requirement to other partner countries by 2023. By the end of 2024, citizens of all countries around the world, regardless of whether they hold a visa-free passport or not, will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before visiting the UK. Through this e-Travel Authorization system, the UK Home Office will be able to access more information about visitors in advance, including their actual place of residence and employment status, allowing more time for screening and security clearance before visitors enter the country. Once an authorization request is approved, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is sent directly to the applicant's verified email address.

Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

The Korean K-ETA requires travelers to apply and pay a fee through an online platform, and upon approval a travel authorization in PDF format will be emailed. Upon approval, the K-ETA is valid for one year. Citizens of countries including St. Kitts Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica and Antigua are required to go through the K-ETA. Processing of the application usually takes 24 hours, while the maximum time for an approved K-ETA can take up to 72 hours.

European Union's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS, European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

The European Union plans to introduce a new travel authorization, ETIAS. The cost will be 7 euros and the application will be processed within a few minutes. The system requires visa-exempt travelers to submit basic personal information, such as name, address, and employment information. And ETIAS requires applicants to submit past travel records and any criminal convictions, and to answer questions related to terrorists. The ETIAS program is expected to be in place by 2024 as it will affect more than 1.4 billion travelers. Citizens from 63 visa-free European countries around the world, such as St. Kitts Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica, and Antigua Passport, will be required to obtain an ETIAS in order to enter any of the countries in the Schengen zone. And, the EU will also have the right to request information when a traveler's relative is in a European country or when a third person submits an application on behalf of someone.Another new policy from ETIAS is that in the future it may not be necessary to get a stamp in your passport to enter or leave the European UnionThe

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA and ESTA) between Canada and the United States of America

Since 2016, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system implemented in Canada provides a pre-authorization mechanism for visa-exempt foreign visitors for the same purpose as the U.S.'s Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is designed to confirm that these visitors are eligible to enter the respective country and to collect traveler information in advance. Currently, all Caribbean countries require a face-to-face visa to gain access to travel to the U.S. St. Kitts and St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean are then able to apply for an ETA to enter Canada, provided they have previously obtained a Canadian visa.

Survey Report on the Chinese

Florida International University (FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY) Ryland Lazarus for the first time publicly a 2023 research report, the report pointed out that China's affluent in the Caribbean region's increasingly active investment in immigration activities, may be a potential threat to the region's economic and political. The report recommends that the U.S. and its allies and partners strengthen cooperation on Caribbean passport naturalization due diligence, including that U.S. Southern Command work more closely with IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime & Security), including U.S. and allied law enforcement and security agencies, to enhance the investment immigration program through collaboration. that work together to enhance the safety and reliability of the immigrant investor program. Under pressure from the U.S., the U.K., and the European Union, it has become more difficult for Chinese to obtain overseas status; and it will be more challenging to pass through the ETA with a Caribbean passport.

Next steps in identity planning

There are many challenges that can be encountered during the immigration process. In the current globalized environment, it has become increasingly difficult for Chinese nationals to obtain an overseas identity due to CRS information exchange requirements and increasing pressure from the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. For those individuals with Caribbean passports, they will face stricter Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scrutiny, which will undoubtedly make travel even more challenging. However, having multiple passports remains the best strategy to stay on top of the various risks they face. Based on this this article, here are a few things we may need to face:

Caribbean passports could make it harder to enter the UK
Scrutiny of Chinese citizens' immigration likely to increase
Physical residency and employment information is required when applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Choose the best complete nationality for background checks

In July of this year, Dominica and St. Kitts officially announced that applicants over the age of 16 would be required to have a video interview. This is a sure sign that these two veteran naturalization programs are redefining the standard for remote naturalization in the industry. The new Prime Minister of St. Kitts has also promised to take illegal investments such as St. Kitts financed naturalization seriously. Dominica and St. Kitts have not given specific details about the video interview process, but we believe it will establish a critical link between the applicant and the target country. Applicants will also be able to complete the interview with greater confidence that they have completed the most important step of the naturalization process.

Caribbean passport with European residency

Europe's residency program allows foreigners of any nationality (except sanctioned countries) to settle in Europe by investing, depositing money, opening a business, or studying. This offers newly naturalized passport holders the opportunity to be scrutinized again by the EU. If successful in obtaining a residence card in the EU, they will be able to confirm with greater confidence that the status (e.g. Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Grenada) does not pose a potential risk to Europe. Although immigration policies for Ireland, Portugal, and Spain are closed in 2023, there are still some quality programs in Europe that are worth looking at.

Obtaining status in advance and proactively applying for visas in large countries

The days when we could easily predict that we would be able to travel to Europe immediately with a new passport may be subject to additional "conditions". Once ETIAS is implemented in the EU, it will be very difficult for applicants to enter Europe without a visa if they cannot accurately provide detailed information on their work and residence or explain how they acquired their Caribbean citizenship. However, for those who have already obtained a Caribbean passport, obtaining a U.S. visa, a Canadian visa, a Japanese visa, etc., in advance, where possible, will be of great assistance in the Free Flower Travel process.

Buying property overseas or applying for a digital nomad visa

For people with multiple nationalities, if you are unable to accurately state your current place of residence, this can cause significant problems when obtaining travel authorization. For example, if a Chinese person with a St. Lucian passport wants to enter the UK, when completing the ETA application, should he give China or St. Lucia as his residential address? If he does not have a physical address in St. Lucia, should he put China as his residential address? This question of residential address alone may make it difficult for a second passport holder to enter the UK and Europe. However, by purchasing property overseas, or by using your second nationality to apply for a digital nomad visa, you will be able to prove your current residence overseas.

Choosing a Naturalization Program with Immigration Supervision

Another strategy to consider is to choose a country like Antigua, or some of the other countries with programs that grant residency first, and then you can't apply for citizenship until after the third, fifth, or seventh year, like Malta, Egypt, or some of the countries in Central and South America. Alternatively, you can actually reside in the Caribbean after being granted Caribbean status.

Advantages of Caribbean nationality

Full citizenship for three generations

Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Grenada all have attractive citizenship by investment policies. Although only Dominica's law explicitly states that as long as one parent has Dominican citizenship, their children will also have Dominican citizenship with no limit on the number of generations. However, other countries such as St. Kitts and St. Lucia also allow citizenship for at least three generations and passports can be obtained even if the child is born overseas.

Tax Advantages

Caribbean countries do not levy gift, property, or inheritance taxes, while overseas income is not taxed. There is also no need to fill out a declaration form if there is no local income. This provides a distinct tax advantage for those working or doing business overseas.

Neutral and flexible identity

Passports from large countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Japan, can carry a degree of political affiliation; even if an individual does not have a specific political affiliation, holding a passport from a large country may cause unnecessary trouble when traveling or investing in the current context of international rivalries, such as the United States and the Middle East, China and the United States, China and India, and China and the United Kingdom. Conversely, holding a passport from a small Caribbean country allows you to remain globally neutral and avoid unnecessary hassles.

Freedom and Opportunity

According to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) (English: Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) Caribbean States; referred to as OECS), an agreement that allows for the free movement of people within the economic union without restrictions on work, residence, visas, etc. Currently, OECS member states include:

Dominican Republic(independent countryCommonwealth countries.free movement)
Antigua(independent countryCommonwealth countries.free movement)
Grenada(independent countryCommonwealth countries.free movement)
Montserrat (British Overseas Territory.free movement)
Saint Kitts(independent countryCommonwealth countries.free movement)
Saint Lucia(independent countryCommonwealth countries.free movement)
Saint Vincent(independent countryCommonwealth countries.free movement)
British Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territories)
Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)
Martinique (French Overseas Territories)
Guadeloupe (French Overseas Territories)

Starting in 2024: implementation of free movement of citizens in the Caribbean Community

Leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) this month decided to implement free movement of citizens from March next year. The resolution was introduced on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of Caricom's founding and the decision was made to allow free movement of citizens from all Caricom countries from March 2024 onwards. Caricom includes Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica)The countries are Jamaica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. All member countries, except Haiti, will be in Dominica this August to discuss the specifics of free movement. Citizens will then be able to travel freely to work and live in any country.

Plan B "Plan B" in the globalization process

As globalization advances, the immigration and naturalization process has become increasingly rigorous and complex. It requires meticulous planning and preparation, both from a policy and regulatory standpoint, as well as from a practical standpoint. In addition to the volatility of today's world, the factors we need to consider become even more complex. As a result, individuals looking for a "Plan B" are faced with even greater challenges. The passport program may continue to face many challenges in the future, but leaders will do their best to find a broad consensus with organizations to balance the interests of citizens with the screening of investors and the support of international leaders.

Importance of nationality over residency

Holders of nationality not only enjoy a wider range of rights and benefits, but also mean stability of status and long-term security. This year, the Portuguese government announced that it would stop applying for golden visas, and Prime Minister António Costa even stopped promising the possibility of visa renewal. This is a clear example of how acquiring citizenship directly is better than just obtaining the right of abode. The first thing we need to consider when planning our identity is how to choose the right second nationality in order to build a complete identity structure.

Changes in Communication Strategies Facing Immigration Firms

In light of the current dire situation, Chinese immigration companies should re-examine and adjust their promotional strategies to focus on more than just the number of visa-free countries in the Caribbean passport. While this is certainly attractive to the Chinese, from a "Plan B" perspective, tax benefits, identity planning, and the welfare of Caribbean countries are all important points that immigration agencies should be promoting. Considering the stringent scrutiny of naturalization applicants in recent years and the restrictions that Caribbean countries may face, immigration companies should improve the quality of their services on all fronts in order to enhance their competitiveness in the industry.

Planning ahead and seeking guidance from professional advisors

Planning ahead is especially important in order to maximize available opportunities and minimize risk. Seek the guidance of an experienced identity planning consultant who can provide in-depth strategic analysis to help applicants avoid common pitfalls and successfully achieve their immigration and naturalization goals. Overall, in the face of new challenges in global immigration and naturalization, we need to adapt our strategies, prepare in advance, and choose the path that best suits our needs.

Passport Freedom More Open, Opening a Whole New Chapter

One of the biggest advantages of holding a second citizenship is undoubtedly the enhanced visa-free benefits of our original passport. However, in these fast-moving times, the number of visa-free countries per passport is subject to change. For example, the UK's recent visa policy changes are subject to a period of adjustment and optimization in order to enhance border security. Although Caribbean passports have temporarily lost the advantage of entry to the UK, according to media reports, the UK government is mimicking the policies of countries such as Canada, which removed visa-free access to most Caribbean countries in 2017, however, this year (2023), thanks to the remarkable success of its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), these countries are back on the ETA and CAN+ lists, regaining the visa-free advantage and ease of entry. Sources expect that theUK to implement ETA by the end of the year and may include five Eastern Caribbean countries in Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).. There is now confirmation that from November 2023, the 79 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access to the UK will switch to ETA, with all former visa-free countries expected to be included by the end of 2024.

Maintaining stable identity configurations in the face of dynamic change

Japan's passport has lost its top spot in the Henry Passport Index for the first time in five years, dropping to third, and the passport with the most visa-free countries in the world has switched to Singapore, according to the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) rankings. It's worth noting that in the period between 2006 and 2023, the average number of visa-free countries for passports has surged from 58 then to 109 now, and the number of destinations that can be traveled to has nearly doubled. With this ever-changing nationality landscape, are you prepared to maintain a stable status configuration in the midst of the dynamics? In addition to focusing on the immediate situation, are you ready to work closely with a professional advisor to plan for the future and capitalize on every opportunity that arises in this dynamic situation? Only in this way can we maintain a clear mind when choosing the Citizenship by Investment Program, stay ahead of the curve, make a good status allocation, and seize every possible opportunity.

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Dominica Citizenship Program

The Dominica Citizenship Naturalization Program was established in 1993 A.D. and is one of the oldest naturalization programs in the world.
passport immigrationApplicants are not required to attend an interview
Immigration can be processed quickly: the time it takes is about 2-3 months.
The most cost-effective program for single applicants
The status can be passed on permanently to the next generation in the direct line.
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Caribbean passport confusion: what's the future of visa-free UK? New Challenges and Foresight for the Passport Program