St Lucia suspend processing of Citizenship by Investment applications of Russians and Belarusians

The Government of St Lucia suspended the processing of applications from nationals of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) also expressed its disappointment in recent comments made by Leader of Opposition Allen Chastanet in connection to the Citizenship Investment Unit and approval of Russian applicants. The St Lucian government called the remarks made by Allen Chastanet as "irresponsible, malicious" and deliberately designed to hurt Saint Lucia, the people of Saint Lucia and Citizenship by Investment Programme.

"Hon. Chastanet understands that the Programme has been functioning in conformity with all international decisions and measures. Hon. Allen Chastanet knows the significance of the CIP to Saint Lucia, especially since the elections. The CIP has been used to pay off some of the debts of Saint Lucia. Hon. Allen Chastanet is responsible for borrowing over EC$1 billion in the last five years when he was Prime Minister," the government stated in a press release on Friday.

The Government of Saint Lucia now joined the list of the international community to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conveyed its solidarity and support for the Government and People of Ukraine. St Lucia government stated that it would continue its commitment and support to all international efforts to sanction the regimes in Russia and Belorussia and take all necessary action when called upon. The St Lucia government sustained the call to determine the entry of any Russian national to use the CIP to avoid sanction and mask their affiliation to the Russian regime. The government said that some individuals who have applied for who have lived outside Russia for many years have been persecuted or needed to flee the regime's actions, "It was felt that these people should not be abandoned and disregarded once they pass due diligence. The CIP Unit in Saint Lucia now has a very rigid and robust due diligence process that is done in consultation with our international partners and friendly Governments,". The GOSL has persisted to dialogue and consult with all its international allies to ensure that it is part of the global effort to restrict the Russian regime and ensure transparency and openness in the operations of its CIP Unit. Accordingly, the Government of St Lucia will now do the following:

Review all the Russians who have been given citizenship during the Allen Chastanet government and to date to ensure that no one who is sanctioned was awarded citizenship and a passport.
Repeal the citizenship of anyone who was given citizenship and is now sanctioned. Citizens who are not on the embargoes list will continue to enjoy citizenship.
Suspend the processing of applications from nationals of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

The GOSL will continue to make representation for persons who are in special cases suffering from persecution and discrimination from the Russian regime and are in need of support in these difficult circumstances. St Lucia Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda have also completely banned Russian and Belarusian citizens from applying for their respective citizenship by investment programme.

St Lucia suspend processing of Citizenship by Investment applications of Russians and Belarusians

Latest

Related Articles