St. Kitts & Nevis suspends Syrians from the Citizenship by Investment initiative

The Harris administration in St. Kitts & Nevis has blocked Syrians from benefiting from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.

The government announced the immediate suspension of the processing of new Citizenship by Investment applications from citizens and residents of Syria. The announcement comes less than 2 weeks after members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) carried out attacks in Paris, as well as the recent arrests of Syrian nationals with fake passports in Honduras and St. Maarten.

The press release noted that since assuming office in February of 2015, the Harris administration has pledged to remain vigilant “to protect the security and integrity of the world’s oldest and most respected Citizenship by Investment initiative” and, as a consequence, certain legislative changes were made to give the government maximum flexibility in addressing security and related concerns globally.

It added that the government would remain vigilant and responsive as it ensures that the security and integrity of its Citizenship by Investment program remains the country’s top priority.

“Our international partners can be assured that St Kitts & Nevis will remain eternally vigilant in the global effort to maintain peace and security for all. Our country is and will remain a trusted partner in this effort,” Prime Minister Timothy Harris said.

Government also sought to assure its international partners that it would “always seek to uphold the principles of peaceful and productive coexistence while at the same time maintaining our sovereignty.” -(CMC)