Saint Lucia Prime Ministe Phillip J. Pierre. Photo: Kherim Nelson

In section 5.24 of the UK Home Office’s Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules: HC 1691, Citizenship by Investment programmes are described as “inherently high-risk”. While the document acknowledges that the Saint Lucian government has taken steps over the past year to reduce those risks, the UK said it “continues to experience unsustainable risks”.

The memorandum argues that the growth in annual CIP applications coincided with an increase in individuals who were later detected using Saint Lucian passports to enter the UK and either claim asylum or work illegally. However, the UK did not provide specific figures to support that claim.

Pierre argues that, just as Britain has the authority to determine its own immigration policies, Saint Lucia also has the right to pursue policies that support its economic development.

“I will tell you that Saint Lucia has no intention of stopping the CIP programme. We will do all we can. I want to be clear. We will do all we can to strengthen the programme,” the Prime Minister stated.

Addressing the broader issue of the UK’s decision to impose visa requirements, Pierre revealed that correspondence delivered to him through the British High Commission pointed to a rise in asylum claims by Saint Lucian nationals as the key concern raised by UK authorities.

The Prime Minister used the opportunity to once again urge Saint Lucians travelling abroad to comply with visa conditions and immigration rules.

“I want to say again, again to Saint Lucia nationals, even when they get a visa to go to the U.K. or to the U.S., do not overstay your time. This is something we can control. Do not overstay your time when you get to the U.K. or the U.S. That is the main reason, as written in the letter,” he said.

The United Kingdom’s decision comes amid what appears to be an effort to tighten immigration controls and reduce net migration.