Dominica to increase visa-free access by 20-25% later this year

Prime Minister of Dominica- Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit recently participated in a webinar conducted by "The Guardian Nigeria", where he discussed the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica.

The webinar titled" Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Redefining Wealth, Safety and Travel for Nigerians" was also joined by the Citizenship by Investment Unit head of Dominica Emmanuel Nanthan and CEO of CS Global Partners Micha Emmett.

Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit mentioned that Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) has been known as the world's most promising.

He noted that the CBI of Dominica has been identified the best by several independent arbiters across the world.

"This programme has been a lifeline for us, especially in situations where Dominica had external shocks, mainly natural catastrophes." added the Dominican Prime Minister.

He stated Nigeria and Dominica share good bilateral relations, and currently, over 230 Nigerian students are pursuing their medical education in Dominica.

Dr. Skerrit further listed down the benefits of the CBI of Dominica to Nigerians. He stated Dominica has visa-free and visa on arrival access to over 143 countries to ease the travel experience for all Nigerian entrepreneurs who intend to travel globally for business purposes with Dominica's CBI.

"By the end of 2021, the visa-free and visa on arrival access to Dominican's would certainly increase by 20 to 25 percent," emphasized PM Skerrit.

Furthermore, he stated that Dominica's visa-free access to China was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is certainly expected to be approved as both countries share excellent relations.

The Dominican Prime Minister asserted that the Caribbean country is enhancing its diplomatic presence in several countries, including in the Middle-East. He stated that the extension would also be in other countries in Africa, the Middle-East, Asia, and several parts of Europe.

"Earlier in 2020, we started our embassy in Abu Dhabi because of the growing number of citizens who are residents in the great nation of the United Arab Emirates," added Dr. Skerrit.

He also discussed the challenges usually faced by Nigerian passport holders in terms of visa-free access and stated that the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica completes transforms the travel experience in terms of travel to different parts of the world.

Nevertheless, while referring to the significance of Dominica's CBI to Nigerians, Dr. Skerrit stated that it would allow the receivers to educate their children in the best schools in the world, increase mobility, expansion in business opportunities.

He stated Dominica has an "Economic Partnership Agreement" with the entire European Union where goods and services can be exported "duty-free."

Besides this, he also stated that Dominica utilizes the Citizenship by Investment Programme's funds to enhance several sectors of the economy, including education, infrastructure, housing, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and modern technology.