UK government to end visa-free access for region’s CIP countries, fearing compromised security
Antigua and Barbuda residents are expressing concern and dismay
upon learning that they are about to lose visa-free access to the
United Kingdom (UK).
Yesterday July 19, the news broke that Dominica has become the
first casualty of threats made by the UK Government that certain
restrictions would be imposed on Caribbean countries with
Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIP).
Residents are worrying about the viability of the programme if
Antigua were to lose visa-free access to the UK.
How attractive will the programme be to persons who want to
access the UK but already have a visa requirement in their country,
locals ask.
However, the question of “if” is moot. The UK has already decided
that the other CIP countries in the region, Antigua and Barbuda
included, will see their privilege revoked, as well, starting in
September.
The Browne Administration has been relying on CIP revenues to
cover many of its financial obligations – including payment to the
crew of the acquired Alfa Nero superyacht.
Hence, Antigua and Barbuda is going to be in serious trouble when
visa-free access to the UK is pulled, sources say.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the UK Government announced that,
with immediate effect, all Dominican nationals will require a visa to
enter the UK.
Dominicans will have to make their visa applications before
travelling; however, there will be a four-week transition period,
until 3 p.m. British Standard Time, on August 16.
During that time, only visitors who booked their travel before July
19 will still be able to enter the UK without a visa.
Accordingly, the acting British High Commissioner to Barbados and
the OECS, Charley Williams, explains that “the UK and Dominica
enjoy a close relationship, but the announcement is a response to its
long-standing concerns about Dominica’s Citizenship By Investment
programme and the risk it poses to the UK.”
It was in January this year (2023) that the United Kingdom
Government indicated that its agency will be examining all the CIP
programmes in the English-speaking Caribbean, with a view to
determining the extent to which those programmes undermine its
security.
British officials say that visitor visas are an important tool in
reducing illegal migration, tackling organised crime, and protecting
national security.
In the early part of 2022, the EU Parliament passed legislation that
gave countries operating CIP programmes an ultimatum: Do away
with their programmes or lose visa- free access to the
Schengen area.
Antigua and Barbuda has always claimed to have an extremely
strong due-diligence machinery in place, ensuring that only high-
caliber applicants with no negative reports are approved for
citizenship.
However, several questionable people have had their CIP passports
revoked, usually due to legal issues in their country of birth, and
some in other jurisdictions.
One person is now challenging attempts by the Government to
revoke his citizenship due to charges filed in India.
