The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced key reforms to reinforce the security and integrity of its Citizenship by Investment Programme. The unit has implemented enhanced Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) protocols and formed a strategic partnership with a leading EU-based due diligence firm.

These upgrades introduce multi-layered background checks, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive source-of-funds verification. “We are fundamentally reinforcing our due diligence to ensure only individuals of the highest integrity are granted the privilege of St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship,” said CIU Executive Chairman, His Excellency Calvin St. Juste.

The new measures also allow for the revocation of citizenship if individuals are later linked to illicit activities. All applicants, agents, and promoters will now be subject to rigorous vetting.

These steps aim to maintain key international relationships, including the visa-waiver agreement with the EU’s Schengen Area, and align with global standards set by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).