Important Update: Antigua and Barbuda commences mandatory interviews
/In a recent memorandum addressed to stakeholders on November 13, 2023, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a noteworthy enhancement to their citizenship application procedure. Effective December 15, 2023, a mandatory interview process will be instituted for all applicants seeking citizenship by investment, including dependents aged 16 and above. Antigua and Barbuda is the latest in row of Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment program to include mandatory interviews: St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Dominica and St Lucia have already implemented this step in the process. Interviews are an important step in the application process as they allow regulating bodies to bolster the due diligence process and offer better guarantee that individuals that gain citizenship properly represent their future home country. Mandatory interview abides to international standards and ensures that individuals acquiring citizenship through their CBI programs are genuine and they will positively contribute to the countries’ growth and development. To a fellow applicant, mandatory interview provides reassurance that other investors and future countrymen are all people of trust and integrity.
Key details of Antigua and Barbuda mandatory interview are outlined below:
**Mandatory Interviews for All: ** Commencing from the specified date, mandatory interviews are set to become an integral part of the application process. This requirement applies to both principal applicants and their eligible dependents.
**Interview Cost: ** Applicants should be aware of an additional cost associated with this new step. A fee of US$1,500 per application will be imposed to cover the expenses related to the interview process.
**Attendance and Identification: ** It is imperative that all members involved in the application attend the interview. Furthermore, they are required to bring the identification documents submitted with their initial application.
**Virtual Interview Format: ** To streamline the process, the CIU has opted for virtual interviews. These will be facilitated by independent service providers contracted by the CIU, similar to the current virtual Oath of Allegiance calls.
**Language Options: ** While the primary language for the interviews is English, provisions can be made for interviews in other native languages if necessary. This ensures accessibility for a diverse pool of applicants.
The CIU will collaborate with Licensed Agents to orchestrate the interview schedules, employing a process reminiscent of the one used for virtual Oaths. This significant update aims to further refine the evaluation process, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of all applicants seeking citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
NTL Trust is here to assist you through all changes within programs and keep up with the latest updates. As we are pioneers of the industry with almost 30 years of experience, we have seen many changes and overcame legal, structural and economic challenges over the years. This is why it’s important to have a trusted partner in citizenship and residency by investment program application, since we guarantee to keep up with any adversity or development that comes up on the horizon. As always, as our client, you are our partner for life, and we are here to walk together through any misgivings or novelties that come after getting the second citizenship as well. Your citizenship and our partnership exist in perpetuity.
