Dominica has turned to an unconventional funding source to rebuild and develop after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria seven years ago: selling passports, The Washington Post reports. The Caribbean nation aims to become the world’s most climate-resilient island without taking on massive debt or waiting for promised aid from wealthy countries. By offering citizenship for hundreds of thousands of dollars to wealthy individuals, often from China and the Middle East, Dominica has found a way to finance its ambitious recovery efforts.
The country’s citizenship program dates back to the 1990s, but has expanded rapidly since the hurricane, becoming a primary source of national revenue. The funds raised have been directed toward critical infrastructure projects, including new medical clinics and residential complexes for people displaced by the storm. Former Secretary of State Francine Barron called the initiative a “savior”, while Treasury Secretary Irving McIntyre stressed the need for a “self-sustaining form of financing” to combat climate change.
“This program means a lot to us,” Mr. McIntyre told The Post. “We realized that we needed to have a self-sustaining form of financing to address climate change.”
Despite its success, the program has raised questions about transparency and security concerns. Although the price of citizenship has recently increased to a minimum of $200,000 (Rs 1.68 crore), it is still one of the most affordable options globally. Some recipients live in Dominica, a small island with a population of 71,000 known for its lush landscape.
The aftermath of Hurricane Maria severely damaged the economy, with losses estimated at more than twice the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit vowed to rebuild better and more resiliently, stressing the urgent need for funds to mitigate future climate risks.
Dominican officials claim that climate change, driven primarily by emissions from rich countries, is resulting in hurricanes that are both more frequent and severe.
Dominica’s proactive stance on climate resilience includes substantial investment in housing and infrastructure. The government claims it has funded about 2,000 homes in locations designed to withstand future disasters.
The nation aims to invest in resilient infrastructure to mitigate climate risks, seeking support from developed countries amid a funding shortfall highlighted by the United Nations in global climate discussions.
While passport sales have become a lifeline, this approach has sparked debate about the potential risks associated with granting citizenship to individuals with obscure backgrounds. Critics argue that such programs cannot be adequately scrutinized. The European Union and other international bodies have raised concerns regarding security measures, particularly after reports of Dominica issuing passports to individuals of questionable backgrounds.
Despite the scrutiny, demand for Dominican passports remains strong. With limited flight options to the US, the island has become a hub for those seeking greater mobility and access through alternative citizenship. However, the rapid growth of the program has prompted calls for greater oversight and accountability.
