An IMGW News Report
New EU legislative proposals put visa-free access at risk, prompting IMC to call for urgent reforms across Caribbean investment migration programmes.
The Investment Migration Council (IMC), a Swiss non profit trade association, has issued a formal communication to senior officials responsible for investment migration programmes across St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. The letter, sent to the heads and CEOs of the Citizenship and Investment Units and Agencies, highlights rising concerns about the future of visa-free access to the European Union, amid tightening EU regulations targeting Citizenship and Residence by Investment (CBI/RBI) programmes.
“Advocacy, support, and training have been at the heart of the IMC’s engagement for almost a decade”
– Bruno L’Ecuyer, Chief Executive of the Investment Migration Council (IMC)
In its communication, the IMC emphasised that new EU legislative developments – particularly the revision of the Visa Suspension Mechanism – place Caribbean programmes under direct scrutiny. The Council urged governments to take proactive steps to reinforce their due diligence processes, ensure compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) standards, and strengthen requirements for demonstrating genuine ties to the host country.
The IMC warned that failure to adapt investment migration frameworks in line with emerging European standards could risk the suspension of Schengen visa waivers, significantly impacting the credibility and sustainability of national programmes.
“Advocacy, support, and training have been at the heart of the IMC’s engagement for almost a decade,” said Bruno L’Ecuyer, Chief Executive of the Investment Migration Council (IMC). “Protecting visa-free access and maintaining the credibility of investment migration programmes is more important than ever.”
“The IMC remains committed to helping Caribbean states strengthen their frameworks, meet rising international expectations, and secure the long-term future of their programmes”
The European Parliament’s 2022 Report had previously flagged concerns over weak security checks, minimal residence requirements, and the promotion of visa-free EU access as a primary incentive. These findings are now being translated into concrete regulatory measures. The European Commission’s formal proposal (COM (2023) 642) names investor citizenship programmes as a specific risk factor justifying the suspension of visa-free travel. (Also of interest: Link)
This comes at a time when CBI programmes remain a vital source of foreign direct investment for many Caribbean nations, supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic diversification efforts. With global pressures mounting, investment migration continues to play a crucial role in national development and post-pandemic recovery strategies.
The risks are not theoretical. In recent years, the EU partially suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu nationals after serious concerns emerged over the operation of its citizenship programme
The IMC, based in Geneva and holding consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has long advocated for the responsible management of investment migration programmes worldwide. It continues to support governments through training initiatives, regulatory advice, and best-practice frameworks.
Through direct policy support, training initiatives, and strategic advocacy, the IMC continues to work closely with all of its members globally, and Caribbean governments are no exception. “The IMC remains committed to helping Caribbean states strengthen their frameworks, meet rising international expectations, and secure the long-term future of their programmes,” L’Ecuyer added.
The risks are not theoretical. In recent years, the EU partially suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu nationals after serious concerns emerged over the operation of its citizenship programme. Caribbean nations now face a similar threat if reforms are not swiftly and decisively implemented.
As the EU moves toward finalising new rules, the IMC’s proactive leadership provides Caribbean nations with vital guidance in safeguarding their global mobility advantages, maintaining international confidence, and ensuring that investment migration remains a sustainable contributor to economic prosperity.
