US restricts visas for Dominicans and Antiguans

The Eastern Caribbean’s citizen by investment (CBI) scheme is popular but people from all over the world who gain second passports from the initiative are finding it harder to stay long-term in the United States under new restrictions, as well as nationals from those Caribbean islands.

In a significant shift, nationals from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda now face shorter US visa terms, joining Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia who are already restricted.

This change comes as part of a growing international focus on CBI programs in the Caribbean. The US Department of State has updated its reciprocity schedules, limiting visa validity for citizens of these nations to just three months and restricting entry to a single use.

This decision follows heightened scrutiny over the vetting processes in these countries’ CBI programs, which offer citizenship in exchange for substantial financial investments. Concerns have been raised about the thoroughness of background checks, with some applicants later linked to criminal activities or political activity, prompting questions about the security and credibility of these programs, often referred to as ‘golden passport’ schemes.

With other nations in the Caribbean continuing to maintain longer-term visas, this move reflects broader global concerns about passport security and the potential risks posed by weak vetting in investor citizenship schemes.

US government assessments and reports from European institutions have criticised the due diligence standards of these programs, particularly in Dominica, where there have been concerns over insufficient screening procedures.

Dominica has long operated a CBI program, enabling foreign nationals to gain citizenship by making substantial investments, typically through government fund contributions or approved real estate projects. This program, which has generated billions of dollars, has been a vital revenue source for the country, funding various public initiatives and development projects.

In response to rising external pressure concerning oversight and the need for standardised procedures, Eastern Caribbean governments are working towards regional coordination. Efforts are underway to establish a unified regulatory framework that strengthens governance, harmonise standards, and reduce the risks associated with “weak links” in the CBI system.