Nauru offers a citizenship program priced at $105,000, providing visa-free access to 89 nations. This initiative aims to fund the relocation of residents due to threats from climate change and rising sea levels, targeting $5.6 million in annual revenue.
The Pacific island nation of Nauru is offering citizenship for $105,000, which includes visa-free access to 89 countries such as the UK and Singapore. This initiative aims to generate $5.6 million annually to help the nation combat rising sea levels and climate change, which pose an existential threat to its low-lying terrain.
Nauru has launched the Higher Ground Initiative, a program focused on relocating 90% of its 12,500 residents to safer elevations. This initiative, critical for national security due to the impacts of climate change, will also enhance local food production and restore natural habitats.
President David Adeang emphasized the urgency of proactive measures: “While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future.” The citizenship program offers unrestricted dual citizenship, without minimum stay requirements, providing an attractive option for potential investors.
The government anticipates the program will generate significant revenue, eventually amounting to $42 million per year, which could represent 19% of Nauru’s government income. However, concerns persist about the potential risks associated with selling citizenship, particularly regarding criminal exploitation.
To prevent past issues from recurring, Nauru plans to implement strict vetting procedures to ensure individuals are free from criminal backgrounds. Edward Clark, the CEO of the Higher Ground Initiative, stated, “Only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future will be accepted.”
Located 3,000 kilometers northeast of Australia, Nauru covers just 21 square kilometers and is home to roughly 11,000 people. The island previously thrived on phosphate mining, which has left 80% of its land uninhabitable and the remaining coastal population vulnerable to climate threats. Tyrone Deiye, a researcher from Monash Business School, noted the heartbreaking situation of indigenous landowners facing impending loss due to environmental changes.
In summary, Nauru’s citizenship program aims to address significant challenges posed by climate change while generating essential revenue for the nation. The Higher Ground Initiative represents a vital step towards relocating residents to safer areas. Despite the controversial nature of selling citizenship, Nauru is committed to implementing rigorous vetting to uphold the integrity of the program and ensure a secure future for its inhabitants.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
