The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) wishes to address recent claims concerning the refund process for applicants from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus whose Citizenship by Investment applications were not approved following the geopolitical developments.
In March 2022, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, in response to escalating international tensions, suspended the acceptance of new applications from Russia and Belarus. This decision was further solidified by a formal ban instituted in August 2022. These measures affected a number of applications, including those submitted prior to the suspension but still under processing at the time the policy change took effect.
The CIU has consistently processed and facilitated refunds for all applicants who complied with the procedural requirement of submitting valid banking details. The processing of these refunds has involved meticulous audits and stringent compliance checks to ensure adherence to our robust legal and regulatory framework.
We have consistently maintained a principled position on the refund of investments made by affected applicants. Individuals whose applications were rendered ineligible due to these policy decisions were promptly contacted by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), and efforts were undertaken to ensure that all eligible applicants were informed of the next steps.
Within the first six months following the CIU’s transition to a statutory body, significant progress has been made in the assessment and authorisation of refund claims. This initiative reflects the Unit’s unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, and international best practices.
The CIU continues to uphold its obligation to all applicants who submitted payments in good faith but were subsequently deemed ineligible due to Government-imposed restrictions. Refunds will continue to be issued in accordance with established legal and compliance protocols.
St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to ensuring that all applicants to the Citizenship by Investment Programme—regardless of the outcome of their application—are treated with fairness, dignity, and in accordance with the law. This includes individuals whose applications were rejected or deemed ineligible due to evolving geopolitical considerations, enhanced due diligence findings, or other regulatory grounds. In all such cases, the CIU, has instituted clear procedures to assess claims, communicate transparently with affected parties, and facilitate appropriate restitution where applicable.
With a legacy spanning over 40 years, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme stands as the oldest and most respected of its kind. Upholding such a legacy is not a day’s task—it requires unwavering diligence, strategic foresight, and a firm commitment to excellence.
The CIU conducts continuous internal checks, engages in regular policy reviews, and implements timely amendments to ensure the Programme remains aligned with the highest international standards. This proactive approach enables the CIU to strengthen the integrity of the Programme, adapt to global developments, and maintain the trust of its international partners and stakeholders.