Geopolitical instability sparks surge in Nauru's passport-for-sale program, official says

By Pacific Island TimesNews Staff

Nauru’s citizenship-by-investment program has started attracting more foreigners seeking alternative home countries amid global conflicts, according to an official from the Pacific island nation.

Edward Clark, CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, stated that European and Middle Eastern conflicts, as well as political turmoil in the U.S., were among the factors contributing to the spike.

“Many people are currently feeling insecure about their place in the world, and are looking for alternative citizenship options,” Clark said.

The program sells Nauru passports for $105,000 per person to fund the tiny nation’s climate adaptation and development projects.

While this program grants a lifetime of citizenship, it allows for dual citizenship. It can be processed in three to four months, and is managed remotely through licensed agents.

In August, Nauru welcomed a German family of four who became the first new citizens under the citizenship program, which was first announced at COP29 late last year.

A U.S. citizen recently applied for the Nauru program, Clark said, adding that a second passport is considered a vital backup even for holders of strong passports.

Also called “The Island of Happiness, Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by size. Located northeast of Australia, it is known for its phosphate mining and industry, as well as its focus on emerging sectors such as offshore banking.,

Nauru is ranked the fifth most vulnerable country to economic and climate shock on the U'N. list.

Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, which commenced earlier this year, offers visa-free travel to 89 countries, while allowing the investor to contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development in Nauru.

“Global volatility, policy shifts and emergency scenarios make diversification through an additional passport a prudent move, so even citizens of European nations or the U.S. are realizing the importance of have a second citizenship as a safeguard,” Clark said.

“As well, in the event of major geopolitical conflict such as a European escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war, a second citizenship may provide a fallback citizenship to avoid mandatory military service or conscription scenarios,” he added.

He said citizens of countries with politically sensitive or restricted passports are looking for a more neutral passport alternative that allows for less scrutiny when traveling to jurisdictions where their primary passport may raise flags.

However, Clark pointed out that entry isn’t guaranteed.

“Strict due diligence requirements, including financial, police, and third-party checks underpin the integrity of the Nauru program and these are a strong value proposition for many people,” he said.

“Amid all the global uncertainty, people want to be assured they are investing in a robust program with strong safeguards for them and their family.

“We’re anticipating there will be strong ongoing interest in Nauru’s program, particularly from those who want to support a small island nation to implement measures to combat economic vulnerability and climate change,” he said.

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