The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has announced the implementation of mandatory biometric data collection for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, marking a significant enhancement to its national security infrastructure. This strategic initiative, scheduled for rollout before the conclusion of the first quarter, will apply to both new applicants and existing economic citizens, positioning the Caribbean nation alongside international security standards observed by the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom.
Executive Chairman of the Citizenship Unit Calvin St Juste emphasized that the biometric measures reinforce the nation’s dedication to preserving the integrity of its citizenship programme while functioning as a responsible participant in global security efforts. The enhanced protocols will require all new CBI applicants to submit biometric identifiers during the application process. Existing economic citizens will be granted an extended compliance period to facilitate a seamless transition to the new requirements.
Notably, the biometric mandate exclusively targets individuals who have obtained or are seeking citizenship through investment channels, with no implications for native-born citizens of St Kitts and Nevis. Detailed implementation guidelines and timelines for existing programme participants will be disseminated in the coming weeks.
The government asserts that this advancement demonstrates its proactive stance toward evolving global security challenges and reinforces the international credibility of its travel documents. The Citizenship Unit has committed to providing comprehensive assistance throughout the transition period, ensuring both applicants and current citizens receive necessary support.