Nauru offers citizenship for $105,000 with visa-free access to 89 countries as a strategy to generate funds amid climate change threats. The Higher Ground Initiative aims to relocate residents to higher ground, countering rising sea levels and erosion. The program anticipates generating $5.6 million in its first year, scaling to $42 million, while implementing strict vetting processes to prevent misuse.
Nauru, a tiny Pacific island nation, is offering citizenship for $105,000, which provides visa-free travel to 89 countries, including the UK and UAE. The initiative is designed to generate approximately $5.6 million annually to help combat the challenges of rising sea levels and climate change, as the country faces the potential loss of its low-lying shores.
This initiative, termed the “golden passport” program, aims to fund the relocation of 90% of Nauru’s 12,500 residents to higher ground. Given the threats posed by climate change, Nauru is seeking proactive measures to secure its future. The Higher Ground Initiative, launched in November 2024, focuses on relocating essential infrastructure and enhancing food production capacities.
Climate change has rendered the country’s coastal areas increasingly vulnerable. Nauru’s President David Adeang emphasized the importance of taking decisive action, stating, “While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future.” The program also promises unrestricted dual citizenship with no minimum stay requirements.
The government expects significant financial returns from this initiative, with projections increasing from $5.6 million to $42 million annually, representing a potential 19% of government revenue. However, while the practice of selling citizenship has been exploited in the past, Nauru is implementing stringent vetting processes to prevent misuse, particularly concerning individuals from high-risk nations.
Nauru, located approximately 3,000 kilometers northeast of Australia, covers just 21 square kilometers and has a population of around 11,000. Once prosperous from phosphate mining, the region’s landscape has been irreparably impacted, leading to significant economic struggles and increased vulnerability to climate threats. According to local researcher Tyrone Deiye, most land is owned by indigenous people, and further coastal erosion would be devastating for many families.
As Nauru explores innovative responses to climate change, the balance between sustainability and citizenship will be pivotal for its future.
In summary, Nauru’s initiative to sell citizenship for $105,000 aims to combat climate challenges and generate essential revenue for the country. This unique ‘golden passport’ program, with its dual citizenship feature and no residency requirements, seeks to fund the relocation of the populace to safer grounds amidst climate threats. Stringent vetting measures aim to prevent misuse of the program as Nauru confronts its precarious future in light of rising sea levels and environmental degradation. The nation’s struggle for survival highlights the urgent need for proactive climate responses.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
