Yemen nationals banned from CBI programme, with exceptions

by Linda Straker

• Yemen is 7th territory whose nationals are unable to apply to CBI programme
• Allowance made for people who are born in unsanctioned counties, but resided all of their lives in territories not sanctioned by Grenada
• EC$280,697,921 projected revenue for 2024, while EC$324 million earned in 2023

As of 1 April 2024, nationals of the Republic of Yemen ineligible to apply to the Grenada Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme. Yemen is the 7th territory whose nationals are unable to apply to the programme.

The Republic of Yemen is in Western Asia, occupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea to the south, and Oman to the east.

Other nationals banned from the programme are Iran, North Korea, Russia, Belarus, Sudan, and Afghanistan. However, there is an allowance for people who just happen to be born in Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan and Yemen. They have to reside all of their lives in a territory or territories that are not sanctioned by Grenada. They could become a citizen of Grenada through the Citizenship by Investment programme if they migrated before the age of maturity and resided there for more than 10 years in territories that are not sanctioned by Grenada.

According to Circular No#1 on the CBI Unit website: “Nationals of the below listed are ineligible to apply for citizenship but may become eligible if

1. They were born in these restricted countries but migrated before the age of maturity and/or have maintained permanent residence, or valid visa approval in Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen Member states, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and the United Arabs Emirates for a period not less than 10 years
2. They maintain no economic ties to any restricted country
3. Due diligence providers are able to conduct in-country enhanced due diligence/on the ground investigation (which may come at a significantly higher cost to the applicant) in the country of birth

Grenada’s CBI programme is into its 10th year of operations and records from the unit show that over 10,000 people have become citizens of Grenada through the programme. The country has earned millions in revenue which are used to fund capital projects and pay debts.

The 2024 budget document projects that the country will earn EC$280,697,921 while data shows that EC$324 million was earned in 2023.