CASTRIES, St. Lucia – ST. Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire has dismissed suggestions that the United Kingdom’s decision to impose a visa requirement on Saint Lucian nationals is linked to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
Addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday (Mar. 10), Hilaire said the government was disappointed by the move but respects the United Kingdom’s sovereign right to determine its own immigration policies and border controls.
The UK last week announced that Saint Lucians will now require a visa to visit the country, ending years of visa-free travel between the two nations.
Hilaire noted the longstanding historical, constitutional and institutional relationship between St. Lucia and the United Kingdom, describing the development as unfortunate.
The minister also addressed concerns raised by the UK regarding asylum claims. According to UK data, there have been 342 asylum applications from Saint Lucians since 2022 out of approximately 106,000 total applicants.
However, Hilaire pointed out that the figures represent a very small percentage and that the UK’s statement did not distinguish between natural-born citizens and individuals who may have obtained citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
He said the government has seen no evidence linking the increase in asylum claims to the programme.
The DPM emphasized that the government has repeatedly requested detailed information from the UK regarding any alleged misuse of Saint Lucian passports but has not received the data needed to properly investigate or address the issue.
"We have asked repeatedly for the relevant information on any concern with the CIP. We have said, if there are CIP citizens using St. Lucia passports to claim asylum or to work illegally in the United Kingdom, then share the data with us. Tell us how many," he said.
Despite the challenges, the deputy prime minister said St. Lucia remains committed to working with international partners to ensure that its Citizenship by Investment Programme maintains strong security and due diligence standards.
He noted that the government has previously taken action when concerns were raised, including restricting certain nationalities from applying to the programme.
Hilaire also defended the programme as a critical tool for national development, noting that revenues generated through the CIP support infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, climate resilience initiatives and job creation.
He warned that efforts to undermine the programme could negatively impact the country’s development agenda and economic opportunities.
During his address, the minister also criticised the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), accusing it of politicising the visa issue and spreading misinformation that could damage St. Lucia’s international reputation.
Looking ahead, Hilaire said the government will continue engaging international partners on security and immigration matters while strengthening the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
