Saint Lucia’s CIP remains “open for business”; Chinese top applications granted

Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is open for business. In a statement yesterday, CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Mr. Nestor Alfred, said: “My heart goes out to all of you who one way or the other have been impacted by COVID-19. I wish to inform you that the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme is open for business. From since March 24, we’ve been working remotely to ensure that your applications are processed and that there’s grant of citizenship.”

He continued: “We appreciate that these are unusual times and therefore you may not have all of the necessary documentation in regards to your applications. We are willing to work with you and to ensure that the process is complete. Again, I wish you well and please keep safe.”

Per figures from the 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 CIP annual reports, 625 people have been granted Saint Lucian citizenship. The top five recipient nationalities are: 106 Chinese, 41 Syrians, 41 Iranians, 39 Lebanese and 39 Iraqis.

The 2019-20 report is still pending. The Citizenship by Investment Act states that the financial year of the CIP Board begins April 1 and ends on March 31. The 2019-20 report must be submitted to the prime minister no later than three months after the end of the financial year. The prime minister, not later than three months after the submission, must lay the report in Parliament.