Associates Times, in collaboration with CS Global Partners, hosts webinar on CBI Programme on March 6

A webinar was hosted by the US-based media organisation "Associates Times," in collaboration with CS Global Partners, a UK headquartered government advisory and marketing firm. The virtual seminar went live on March 6, 2022, and discussed the "Residence and Citizenship by Investment Programme and its evolving trends".

The webinar discussed the CBI Programmes offered by 13 countries, including the Caribbean. It also shed light on the fact that two Caribbean countries – Dominica, as well as St Kitts and Nevis, have been providing the world's most superlative Citizenship by Investment programmes because of their straightforward route and longevity.

On behalf of CS Global Partners, the webinar was joined by CEO Micha Rose Emmett and Director Paul Singh.

While discussing the evolving trends she observed in the past ten years, Micha mentioned that the investment and residency programme industry had witnessed big and small changes, but most of the aspects propelled people to go for second citizenship. She further added that the people always select an option that is socially politically safe and provides a stable environment to call home; Caribbean countries are often able to provide just that.

Emmett further stressed on the due-diligence process undertaken by the host countries to check the background of the applicants and to provide the second citizenship to the eligible one.

Both panelists discussed the due diligence process pursued by the five Caribbean countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia. The CBI Programme of all countries has been highly ranked in the CBI Index 2021, in the Financial Times Professional Wealth Management Magazine. Emmett further stated that the procedure of due diligence is a multi-tiered system that involves internal as well as external vetting as well as a screening of the applications to ensure that genuine investor gets dual citizenship.

The CEO mentioned the convenient types of investment provided under the Citizenship by Investment programme and explained that government fund contribution is the most straightforward route to attaining second citizenship.

She further added that the Government Fund contribution is a straightforward route while the real estate investment option might be a bit complicated and often doesn't retain its value.

During the webinar, Singh outlined that CBI Programmes are the most straightforward, clear-cut, and seamless process, and satisfy both – the host country and the investor.

Singh further exclaimed that CBI programmes not just provides economic upliftment to the host country but also directly or indirectly contributes towards the social growth, such as enhancement of the tourism sector and health sector.

Director of CS Global Partners further explained the process to apply for the CBI programme. Singh stated, "The foremost step is to submit the application and required documentation, following which fees are paid on behalf of the agent. Then the documents and the application are evaluated to checks the eligibility of the applicant. Following this, a strict screening of the applicants is also conducted."

Singh also mentioned the longevity of the programme. He quoted the example of St Kitts and Nevis as well as Dominica as they both have oldest CBI programme. The Director of CS Global Partners stated, "Applicants will usually be attracted to the longevity of a programme. For example, St Kitts and Nevis launched its CBI programme in 1984, which is almost four decades old while Dominica launched its programme in 1993. These are some of the most respected programmes in the industry and best choices to go with."

He further underscored that the investors go with the CBI programmes of both Caribbean countries because they hold high regard in the international community.

The CEO of the government advisory and marketing firm highlighted that the CBI programme is a 'win-win solution' for both investors and the host country. "The due diligence process allows countries to know exactly who the investors are that are investing in their countries and the direct contribution to the government enables these small nations to grow sustainably without international aid and funds can build roads, schools and hospitals which benefit citizens," Emmett concluded.