Dominica's golden passports - 6th Nov 2023

Visa-free travel to 130 countries, including the EU Schengen zone is available for $100,000 from the small Caribbean island of Dominica. This low price compared to other passport schemes has added over $1 billion to Dominica's economy over the last two decades. However, it's also been extremely appealing to international criminals.

According to the website, 'The Dominica Economic Citizenship Program' offers "second citizenship and passport in only four to six months with no visit to the country required". It advertises itself as "cheapest citizenship by investment program" in the Caribbean.

An operation by a global organisation of investigative journalists found that lawbreakers from around the world had invested in the scheme. Amongst them were the ex-top nuclear scientist under Saddam Hussein, and a Turkish millionaire found guilty of fraud.

Although applicants cannot possess a criminal record and are required to have background checks, journalists revealed over 10 passport holders were later prosecuted in their home courts. A California-based immigration lawyer acquired a passport in the same month she was accused of massive fraud.

Father and son investors, Fayez and Mutasem Faouri were both charged in Jordan with financial crimes which caused shareholders to lose millions of dollars. Mutasem Faouri avoided prison but thanks to his Dominican citizenship, he was permitted to set up a number of UK companies.

Roosevelt Skerrit, Dominica's prime minister, has praised his country's investment system, describing it as 'multi-layered' and thorough. Yet, for many experts Dominica simply isn't doing enough.

International expert Eka Rosomashvili said "Governments running such programmes are not properly screening applicants or asking enough questions about the source of funds". Now, a group within the EU has proposed that such travel schemes offering investors citizenship are suspended.

Dominica's a poor nation, frequently struck by hurricanes. It may soon be forced to come up with alternative ways to tempt investors.