Antigua and Barbuda is considering suspending its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) as the Government seeks to protect visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said preliminary Cabinet discussions have favoured suspension, although no final decision has been made.

The issue follows discussions between European Union officials and representatives from Eastern Caribbean countries that operate citizenship-by-investment programmes. According to Browne, governments were presented with two options: continue their programmes while risking the loss of Schengen visa-free access, or commit to suspending them by November 12.

The Prime Minister has called for a meeting of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) leaders to explore a coordinated regional response. The discussions involve Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, all of which operate similar programmes.

The potential suspension carries significant economic implications for Antigua and Barbuda, as the CIP has been an important source of government revenue. However, preserving visa-free access to Europe would affect citizens beyond those who obtained citizenship through investment. For now, the programme remains operational while the Government considers its next steps.

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