The St.Kitts and Nevis Government has announced new list of restricted countries, who are barred from applying for citizenship by investment program effective from Jul 27, 2023. The regulations were published in Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship By Investment (Exclusion) Order, SRO 27 of 2023
Restricted countries are nations where citizens or residents are subject to specific restrictions or limitations regarding travel, business transactions, or diplomatic relations. Within the framework of St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme, the concept of restricted countries arises concerning the eligibility of applicants from certain jurisdictions to participate in the programme.
In the interest of national security, defense and public safety of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, every citizen of, and persons ordinarily resident in, the following countries shall be excluded from any application for registration as a citizen pursuant to subsection 3(5) of the Act—
(a) The Russian Federation, otherwise known as Russia;
(b) The Republic of Belarus, otherwise known as Belarus;
(c) The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, otherwise known as North Korea;
(d) The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, otherwise known as Afghanistan;
(e) Republic of Iraq, otherwise known as Iraq; and
(f) The Islamic Republic of Iran, otherwise known as Iran
The designation of restricted countries within the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme is primarily driven by national security, diplomatic relations, and risk mitigation considerations. Certain countries may pose higher security risks or have strained diplomatic ties with St. Kitts & Nevis, leading to heightened scrutiny of applicants from these jurisdictions.
While restricted countries may pose challenges for applicants from affected jurisdictions, it is essential to note that eligibility for St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants from restricted countries are not automatically disqualified from participating in the programme but may be subject to additional vetting procedures to ensure compliance with programme requirements and safeguard national interests.
The changes aim to boost international investor confidence and bolster St Kitts and Nevis CBI reputation globally.
