Skerrit sets up parallel passport program aimed at Middle East nationals

Roseau, Dominica (TDN) —- With pressure mounting on Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to bring an end to the failed Economic Citizenship Program, yet another twist to the ongoing saga has been brought to light.

Skerrit shakes hands with Dr. Badi Badiozamani after agreeing passport deal.

On July 29, 2008 Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met with Dr Badi Badiozamani to engage in negotiations for the sale of Dominican passports to Iran and Middle East nationals.

At the end of the negotiations, Badiozamani's agency the East West Visa Consultancy LLC (EWVC) signed an agreement with Skerrit for citizens of Iran, the Middle East and Central Asia to receive a second citizenship and passport.

The all-inclusive cost for individuals was set at approximately US $125,000.00 and for families of up to 4 at approximately US $175,000.00.

Although this information has just been brought to the attention of the Dominican public, it is nonetheless deeply troubling. To begin, the program appears to be distinct and separate from the other second citizenship program, where the all inclusive cost for a single applicant is US $100 000 and a family of four US $125 000.

Also confirming that this program is different and separate is the fact that EWVC is not listed among the twelve ‘official’ agents published on the official government website.

On its website encouraging Dominican passport sales, EWVC notes “not too long ago, many small countries offered citizenship and passport to citizens of other countries in return for financial contribution, but the terrorist events of the September 11, 2001 led to immense pressure from western countries to many of these countries such as the Dominican Republic, Belize and Grenada to stop or suspend this practice indefinitely.”

“It is not certain for how much longer the economic citizenship program and granting of second citizenship by the Commonwealth of Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis will last. That is why we suggest if you need to obtain second citizenship and enjoy visa-free travel, you should contact us as soon as possible.”