Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Nauru Approves First Six Climate-Resilience Passports

Tightened vetting follows a withdrawn application to safeguard citizenship sales that aim to raise US$43 million for relocating most of the population.

This general view shows the Civic Center in Aiwo on the island of Nauru.
Image

Overview

  • Launched in February, the US$105,000 citizenship-by-investment programme has approved two families and four individuals so far.
  • One applicant withdrew after background checks flagged adverse findings, prompting officials to strengthen due-diligence procedures.
  • Officials project sales to reach 500 passports, generating US$43 million—nearly 20% of government revenue—for climate adaptation and relocation projects.
  • The programme’s vetting measures draw on lessons from a 2003 scheme that inadvertently granted passports to Al-Qaeda operatives.
  • Authorities report growing demand with dozens of applications under review and highlight visa-free entry to 89 countries as a key incentive.