The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has responded firmly to reports suggesting the country may be included in a potential United States travel ban targeting nations operating citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes.
The Washington Post recently published details of a leaked memo from the U.S. State Department, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating that the Biden administration is reviewing visa restrictions for 36 countries, including four in the Eastern Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The memo reportedly outlines concerns about CBI schemes that offer citizenship without residency requirements, and cites national security concerns and alleged “anti-American activity” by some programme beneficiaries.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis said it had received no official correspondence or communication from the U.S. government indicating the existence of such a travel ban or plans to implement one.
“While we understand the concerns that such reports may naturally generate, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis wishes to make it absolutely clear that no official correspondence or communication has been received,” the statement read. “As a responsible Government, we take any and all indications of potential threats to the rights and mobility of our citizens seriously.”
Although no formal notice has been received, the government acknowledged the seriousness of the report and said it was actively engaging with diplomatic and international partners to “determine the source, credibility, and veracity of the claims now in circulation.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and maintaining “strong and respectful relations with the United States and all our international partners.” Citizens were urged to rely on official government channels for accurate updates.
The leaked memo reportedly gives countries 60 days to submit an initial action plan and outlines benchmarks they must meet to avoid sanctions. Some nations, according to the document, may be able to ease Washington’s concerns by cooperating on immigration matters, including accepting deportees or agreeing to “safe third country” arrangements.
Antigua and Barbuda, also named in the memo, responded by declaring, “We will not be bullied,” defending its CBI programme as a legitimate economic tool with robust vetting standards.
CBI programmes have long been a source of both revenue and controversy for Eastern Caribbean nations, who argue the schemes are vital to development and are already subject to stringent due diligence processes.
