On October 26th, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis signed a visa waiver with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a small island country in Micronesia. The agreement between the two nations was signed by John Silk, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands, and Jasmine Huggins, Ambassador of St Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Foreign Minister John Silk highlighted the importance of the signing: “Through this arrangement, more opportunities will open up for both of our countries to work together through increased people to people exchanges with a view of cultivating enhanced diplomatic relations.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Huggins remarked: “We are aware that the privilege of traveling to new and distant places provides an opportunity for personal growth and development and today we are making it that much easier for our citizens.”
Reaching 160 visa-free Destinations
The signing ceremony with the Marshall Islands marks an important milestone for St Kitts and Nevis as it reaches a step closer to offering 160 visa-free destinations to its citizens. Expanding diplomatic relations has remained a high priority for the dual-island nation, with several agreements signed with countries and territories across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East in the last few years. As a result of its high number of global visa agreements, St Kitts and Nevis’ passport is one of the strongest in the region according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The 2019 CBI Index, designed to rank countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, has recognised St Kitts and Nevis’ efforts in improving its visa offerings. The independent study by FT Specialist publication Professional Wealth Management highlights St Kitts and Nevis’ growing number of visa destinations and recognises the commitment made by the country’s for its citizens.
A Platinum Standard Brand
Introduced over three decades ago, St Kitts and Nevis has operated the longest-standing CBI programme in the world through its efficiency, visa-free offerings and detailed attention to due diligence.
Originally birthed in the Caribbean, the idea of ‘citizenship by investment’ has now become a global phenomenon among foreign investors and their families, with several countries adopting their own versions of the programme.
Read more: What is Citizenship by Investment?
Despite the competition, St Kitts and Nevis positions itself as offering a ‘Platinum Standard’ brand within the economic citizenship industry. Last year, Prime Minister Timothy Harris announced a new investment channel under the Programme – the Sustainable Growth Fund – hailed as the most straightforward route to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. The fund was designed to attract foreign investors whilst also directing generated revenue into sustainable growth initiatives, in areas including healthcare, education and tourism. Under the SGF, a single applicant must make an investment of US$150,000 alongside any additional government and due diligence fees.
Click here for more information on St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Programme.
