Nauru is offering citizenship for $105,000 to combat climate change, targeting the relocation of its citizens due to rising sea levels. The initiative aims to generate significant funds for climate resilience efforts, while ensuring criminally-inclined individuals do not participate. This program offers visa-free travel to 89 countries, with the potential to contribute 19% of government revenue.
Nauru, a diminutive island nation situated in the Pacific Ocean, has introduced a citizenship offering priced at $105,000 (approximately Rs 91.44 lakh) as part of its innovative “golden passport” scheme. This initiative serves as a strategic response to the pressing threat posed by rising sea levels, enabling the relocation of its 12,500 inhabitants to safer elevations.
The island, which spans merely 20 square kilometers, is grappling with critical environmental challenges such as increasing sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion, necessitating immediate and decisive actions. President David Adeang remarked on the urgency of the situation, stating, “While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future.”
To safeguard the integrity of this program, individuals with criminal records will be ineligible for citizenship, thus mitigating risks of misuse. Notably, past attempts at similar programs faced exploitation, including a scandal in the mid-1990s involving alleged terrorists.
Kirstin Surak, an associate professor at the London School of Economics, highlights the benefits of such citizenship programs, allowing individuals access to “global lives” and increased mobility, particularly for those holding more restrictive passports. The current initiative provides its participants with visa-free access to 89 countries, spanning regions including the United Kingdom and the UAE.
The Nauruan government anticipates generating over $5.6 million in the first year of this program, potentially reaching approximately $42 million annually. This revenue is essential, expected to fulfill 19% of government revenue. The CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program assured the implementation would be monitored for any unforeseen negative implications.
In conclusion, Nauru’s golden passport initiative represents a proactive measure to combat the climate crisis and safeguard its citizens. With the potential for significant revenue generation and increased global mobility for passport holders, Nauru seeks to address pressing environmental challenges. The government’s cautious approach aims to prevent exploitation while securing the future of its nation through proactive citizenship solutions.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
