Latest news with #globalmobility
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Changing Dynamics Of Investment Migration And Global Mobility
Ahsan Khaliq is the CEO and founder of Saad Ahsan Residency and Citizenship, a pioneer and leading name in the investment migration world. Countries are increasingly tightening migration policies to manage mass immigration. As nations such as Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. have enforced stricter immigration frameworks, entrepreneurs from countries with a weak passport and limited travel freedom may experience global mobility challenges. The ability to attend international business meetings, exhibitions or trade shows in any part of the world is critical for business growth. Still, some developed countries attract foreign direct investment by offering mobility solutions to high-net-worth individuals, and some are updating their frameworks to better align with their national priorities. This highlights the importance of entrepreneurs and investors keeping up with changes in migration and citizenship-by-investment (CBI) policies to ensure they're making informed choices. Global Mobility Trends In 2025 Some European countries attract non-European Union investors through what's known as "golden visa" programs by offering residence, employment and business opportunities. However, some current global political scenarios are prompting European governments to reshape immigration-by-investment programs. Hungary, for example, restored its golden visa program in 2024 after ending the program in 2017. Under the new program, visa recipients can apply for a residence permit, according to Reuters. To mitigate real estate speculation, Hungarian authorities only offer two investment streams—investment fund or monetary donation—and prohibit the direct purchase of real estate, the International Bar Association said. Or, consider Portugal, which ended its golden visa real estate investment option and revised the program so foreign investors seeking residency can contribute to investment funds instead. Further, Spain ended its residency program for non-EU investors to end real estate market speculation, while Greece has made reforms to its residence-by-investment program, including increasing the investment threshold for real estate in some areas. But in a turn for global investors, the European Court of Justice ruled Malta's golden passport program was contrary to law. Malta was the last country in Europe to offer a citizenship investment scheme, Reuters reported. "Current EU legislation does not, however, regulate conditions for granting residence permits, which several member states offer in return for investments," Reuters also said. Caribbean countries often rely on CBI programs to generate revenue to fund public benefit projects and build resilience to natural disasters. But after security concerns were raised by the European Union in 2023, Caribbean CBI programs went through reforms. The Caribbean countries offering CBI programs—including Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and later Saint Lucia—signed a memorandum of agreement to establish the conditions "under which they will cooperate and share information regarding their Citizenship by Investment Programs ... to enhance the integrity, security, and efficiency of these programs," the memorandum said. These reforms aim to ensure compliance, improve due diligence and focus on information sharing among the countries. The countries also agreed to set a minimum investment threshold of $200,000. In my view, this evolving partnership reflects a strong working relationship and shared willingness among CBI countries to adopt a sustainable immigration framework. Following the 2024 U.S. election, some Americans started looking into second passports and relocation to other countries. Business Insider reported that some people were "concerned about Trump's promise to raise tariffs, and how that could impact the economy and the U.S. dollar." The Trump administration has raised tariffs on many imports, especially from China, and in the first five months of 2025, the federal government had already collected $68.9 billion in tariffs and excise taxes, NPR reported. The U.S. is also seeing significant changes in the immigration environment. Further, President Trump has proposed establishing a "Gold Card" that would allow foreigners to live and work in the U.S. for $5 million. Changes In Border Management And Security In The EU Beyond changes to residency- and citizenship-by-investment programs, we're also seeing broader changes to how some countries are handling entry requirements for travelers. For example, to ensure efficient border management and security, the EU is preparing to launch two new systems: the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES). ETIAS: This is a travel authorization for citizens of countries and territories that aren't required to have a visa to enter Europe and Cyprus. Thirty European countries require the ETIAS. You must apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, and once at the border, you'll have to provide your passport and any other relevant documentation to ensure you meet entry requirements. This system is set to go live in the last quarter of 2026, according to the EU's ETIAS website. EES: The EES is an automated IT system that's "expected to start" in October of this year. It will register non-EU nationals traveling to Europe each time they cross the borders of certain European countries. (A complete list can be found on the EU's EES webpage.) The EES system will record facial image, fingerprints and travel document data, whereas the ETIAS collects no biometric data. Considerations For Entrepreneurs Investment migration focuses on global opportunities in terms of business and mobility for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The goals of these individuals vary from region to region. Some may prioritize relocation, others may pursue business opportunities, while some value enhanced mobility solutions. Business leaders considering relocation must remember that this process requires strategic planning, investment, settling the family in a new location and other factors. Make sure you calculate the cost of relocation vs. the potential perks, such as integration into a new community, time to migrate, the impact it could have on your professional and personal life, and what the return could be on your investment. Finally, ensure you're following the country's most up-to-date visa requirements, and consider whether the country you're considering will help ensure you're well-integrated into local society and can provide a sustainable environment to grow. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Indian passport allows visa-free access to 59 countries, sees biggest jump in rankings
The Indian passport has made a major leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight places to the 77th rank, up from 85 last year. This marks the biggest six-month jump by any country in the world. While the number of visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders has only slightly increased from 57 to 59, the broader trend is clear: global mobility is shifting. Emerging powers like the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, and China are catching up to traditional leaders like the US and UK. UAE, China, Saudi lead passport rankings Among the biggest winners over the past decade is the UAE, which has skyrocketed from 42nd to 8th place, adding more visa-free destinations than any other country. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. China climbed 34 spots to reach 60th, thanks to a surge in diplomatic visa waivers. In 2025 alone, China added visa-free access for Gulf nations like Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, along with South American countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Singapore holds firm; US slides down Singapore retained its position at the top of the index, with visa-free access to 193 of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed closely with 190 destinations. Seven EU countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, shared the third spot, while New Zealand joined Greece and Switzerland in fifth. The US and UK, once ranked first globally, continued their decline. The UK fell to sixth place with access to 186 destinations, and the US dropped to 10th with 182. According to the index, this is the first time the US risks falling out of the top ten altogether. Visa-free countries for Indian passport holders Indian citizens can now travel to 59 destinations without needing a visa in advance. Following countries give Indian passport holders visa-free access: Africa (19 countries): Angola, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, and Somalia. Asia (18 countries): Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macao, Malaysia*, Maldives, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand*, and Timor-Leste. North America (10 territories): Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Oceania (10 nations): Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Visa-on-arrival / e-visa access These destinations offer visa-on-arrival or electronic visa (e-Visa) facilities: Macau Myanmar Nepal Bhutan Cambodia Laos Tanzania Zimbabwe Jordan Kenya Bolivia Iran Malawi Living in the UAE has several advantages, including easy entry to several country. According to Henley & Partners, Indian residents in the UAE enjoy visa‑free entry to 58 countries as a UAE resident, subject to having a valid UAE residence permit. Some of them are the British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Qatar, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and others. Why did Indian passport ranking improve? The Indian passport saw a boost in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, thanks to a mix of diplomatic wins, shifting global mobility trends, and new regional visa agreements. In 2025, India added the Philippines and Sri Lanka to its list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, bringing the total to 59. This rise reflects a broader global shift where emerging economies like India, the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia are expanding travel agreements and gaining influence, while traditional powers see declining access. Strengthened bilateral ties across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, especially with Asean nations, the GCC, and African countries, have led to more relaxed visa norms and new visa-waiver agreements, making travel easier for Indian passport holders. *Malaysia (visa-free until Dec 2026), Thailand (requires ETA) *Double-check each country's entry rules ahead of time; duration, eTA requirements, health documents and renewals of bilateral agreements may affect eligibility.
Arabian Business
7 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Singapore remains most powerful passport as US and UK decline, UAE and emerging economies rise
Asian countries continue to lead global mobility, with Singapore holding its position as the world's most powerful passport, while the United States and United Kingdom experience long-term declines, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index released Tuesday. Singapore passport holders can travel visa-free or with visa on arrival to 193 destinations worldwide, the highest number of any passport. Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 190 destinations, reinforcing Asia's dominance in international travel freedom. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henley & Partners (@henleyglobalcitizens) The United Kingdom, which ranked first in 2015, has dropped to sixth place, offering visa-free access to 186 destinations. The United States has fallen to tenth place, with visa-free or visa on arrival access to 182 destinations. The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights the declining mobility of traditional Western powers. 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned and must be maintained through active and strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index. 'Countries that neglect global engagement are losing ground.' Seven European Union countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — share third place, each providing visa-free access to 189 destinations. Another seven European nations — Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — share fourth place with 188 destinations. Emerging economies are among the fastest risers. India has jumped eight places in six months to 77 th, adding two new visa-free destinations to reach 59. Saudi Arabia gained four new visa waivers, rising four places to 54th, with access to 91 destinations. The United Arab Emirates continues its rapid ascent, ranking eighth globally — the highest position ever for a Gulf nation. Over the past decade, the UAE climbed 34 places, from 42 nd to 8 th, thanks to strategic diplomacy and reciprocal visa agreements. China has also risen 34 places over the past decade to 60 th place, despite not yet gaining visa-free access to the European Schengen Area. Beijing has expanded visa-free access to 75 countries in 2025, up from fewer than 20 five years ago. This includes visa-free entry for all Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – as well as several Latin American nations including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. These moves are part of China's broader strategy to strengthen bilateral ties and boost tourism and trade. These developments also influence the Henley Passport Power Index, which ranks passports based on the percentage of global GDP their holders can access visa-free. While over 80 countries have improved their rankings by at least 10 places over the past decade, only 16 countries have declined. Venezuela experienced the sharpest fall, dropping 15 places to 45 th. The United States fell eight places, and the United Kingdom declined five. 'This is part of a broader reordering,' said Henley CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen, noting rising demand from Americans and British nationals for second citizenship and residency options. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document – it reflects your country's global relationships,' Steffen said. 'As geopolitical uncertainty grows, citizens of historically dominant nations are reassessing their mobility options.' The Henley Passport Index, first published in 2006, is widely regarded as a leading benchmark for passport strength and international travel freedom, used by governments, investors, and migration experts.
Skift
7 days ago
- Business
- Skift
U.S. Passport Power Slips: See Which Countries Are Gaining Ground
The 2025 Henley Passport Index makes one thing clear: travel freedom isn't just a Western advantage anymore. And that shift isn't just about where people go on a holiday, it matters for companies, governments, and industries that rely on people being able to move easily across borders. The latest Henley Passport Index shows a reshuffling in the global mobility hierarchy. While familiar names still top the list — Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, and Finland — the momentum has clearly shifted. The United States, once ranked No. 1 just over a decade ago, has now dropped to 10th place. American passport holders can access 182 destinations without a visa. Last year, the U.S. ranked seventh. This year's position marks its lowest standing in two decades. The United Kingdom has also slipped. Now ranked sixth, the UK is down two places from last year. According to Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, the drop in rankings for both countries reflects broader shifts in global access. 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally,' Steffen said on Tuesday. 'As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security.' Asia Gains Ground as India Jumps Eight Spots While Western powers slide, several Asian countries are steadily climbing. Singapore, Japan and South Korea continue to hold the world's most powerful passport ranking. India made the most significant leap over the last six months, climbing eight spots from 85th to 77th. Indian passport holders can now visit 59 countries without a visa, up from 57. It's a modest gain in numbers, but a meaningful signal of growing diplomatic reach. The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association, ranks passports by the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index is updated quarterly. Breaking Down Borders: Relaxed Visa Rules Are Opening Up the World Looser visa restrictions are greasing the wheels of global tourism, but the real question is whether these policies can sustain long-term growth or just offer a fleeting boost to countries eager for quick wins. Read More China's Openness Brings Real Change While China's mobility ranking is still at 60th place, its trajectory is striking. Since 2015, China has moved up 34 spots on the Henley Index. Unlike many rising nations, China has done this without gaining visa-free access to the EU's Schengen Area. Instead, it has focused on building partnerships with emerging markets. In 2025 alone, China granted visa-free entry to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brazil, and Argentina. That brings the total number of nationalities allowed visa-free entry to China to 74. Five years ago, that number was under 20. The policy shift is already showing results. More than 20 million foreign travelers entered China without a visa in 2024, double the previous year, and nearly one-third of all international arrivals, according to China's National Immigration Administration. 'China's granting of visa-free access to several European states over the past two years has also contributed to the dominance of European passports at the top of the Henley Passport Power Index, which measures the percentage of global GDP each passport provides to its holders visa-free,' Henley said in a statement. Air travel in the region reflects the broader trend. IATA Director General Willie Walsh said overall global demand for air travel grew by 5.8% in the first five months of 2025. Asia-Pacific airlines led with 9.5% growth, while North America saw a modest 1.8% rise in international traffic, offset by a slight decline in domestic travel. UAE Breaks Into Top 10 The United Arab Emirates has also emerged as a top mobility player. Over the past decade, the UAE has climbed 34 spots in the Henley rankings. It now sits at eighth place, with visa-free access to 185 countries. The Gulf state has pursued a clear strategy of leveraging diplomatic ties to expand travel access. In May 2025, the UAE signed an agreement with Moldova granting visa-free travel to all Emirati passport holders. UAE citizens have also enjoyed visa-free access to the Schengen Area since 2015, thanks to an agreement with the European Union. The waiver allows for short-term visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is for all 26 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
Khaleej Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Thousands of UAE residents who bought second passport face uncertainty
Thousands of UAE residents who acquired Citizenship by Investment (CBI) passports from countries like Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Cambodia, and Egypt are staring at a storm they didn't see coming. Some had invested their life savings, believing these passports would unlock global mobility, tax benefits, and long-term security. On June 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum giving 36 countries — including several with CBI programmes — a 60-day deadline, ending August 13, 2025, to meet stringent vetting and information-sharing standards or face visa bans. The European Union is also advancing legislation to suspend visa-free Schengen access for nations with weak oversight. If passed, the law could come into force by September. For expatriates from India, South Asia, and the Middle East, the implications are severe. Second citizenships had become a popular route to global travel and financial flexibility. Families typically spent between $115,000 and $330,000 on passports from Caribbean and other CBI jurisdictions that promised access to more than 140 countries. 'It's a perfect storm, and many passport holders didn't see it coming,' says Sam Bayat, founder of Dubai-based Bayat Legal Services and a pioneer in international investment migration in the region. 'People invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into citizenship programmes, believing it was their ticket to global freedom. Now, they're facing sudden restrictions that could render those passports practically useless.' The fallout is being felt most acutely in the UAE, where expats make up nearly 90 per cent of the population. While exact nationality data is unavailable, Bayat estimates that more than 10,000 applications have been filed from the region in recent years. 'Assuming three individuals per application, we're easily looking at 30,000 people, many of them UAE-based, who could be affected.' In limbo According to data shared by the European Commission, five Eastern Caribbean CBI jurisdictions — Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia — have collectively issued over 100,000 citizenships between 2014 and mid-2024. The crisis is particularly acute for Indian nationals in the UAE. India does not allow dual citizenship, so many who opted for a second nationality had to relinquish their Indian passports. Henley & Partners' 2024 Private Wealth Migration Report notes that 4,300 wealthy Indians gave up their citizenship in 2023, with many choosing Caribbean or other CBI programmes while living in the Gulf. "We took this step thinking we were securing our future. Now it feels like everything's up in the air," said a Dubai-based Indian expat who acquired a Saint Lucia passport in 2022. "I'm following the developments and hoping it doesn't come to a point where we're left without real options,' he added. 'For families who sold property or dipped into savings to secure their second passports, this is more than a policy change — it's a personal crisis,' said Bayat. 'They may feel betrayed, especially those who renounced their nationalities." Local agencies in the Gulf, many of which aggressively marketed these programmes as low-risk, high-reward investments, are under pressure too. 'This could be the end of the road for dozens of firms that built their businesses on Caribbean passports,' says Bayat. 'Cosmetic change not enough' A 2023 European Commission report flagged 88,000 'golden passports' issued by Caribbean states, raising concerns about lax due diligence and high-risk applicants. The US memorandum also targets Cambodia and Egypt — a sign that the issue is no longer confined to the Caribbean. Many countries are pledging reforms, but Bayat argues that cosmetic changes won't suffice. 'A phased, credibility-first model is the only path forward. Without structural reform, CBI risks being viewed as a security threat rather than a legitimate development tool.' He warns: 'Commonwealth ties or past diplomatic goodwill won't protect countries from enforceent if their citizenship programmes fail to meet modern standards of integrity.' 'The EU's suspension of Vanuatu and the CJEU ruling against Malta have created a clear legal and policy precedent — CBI must involve genuine residency, integration, and public accountability, or face consequences.' 'Visa-free access to the UK or Schengen is not a birthright, it's a privilege based on trust. And that trust is eroding fast for countries that continue to operate opaque or outdated CBI models.' For countries like Saint Kitts and Nevis or Dominica, which rely heavily on revenue from citizenship sales to fund infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, the stakes are high. 'A US travel ban would devastate their local economies, and most of their populations won't understand the reason,' said Bayat. Secure alternatives Amid growing uncertainty, many affected individuals are exploring secure alternatives, particularly the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa. 'We are navigating a significant transformation in the citizenship by investment landscape,' says Rayyad Kamal Ayub, managing director of Rayad Group Immigration Services. 'The shift away from off-the-shelf passport purchases indicates a move toward more sustainable and legitimate pathways.' His firm has set up a help desk to assist affected individuals as the rules evolve. 'The growing appeal of programmes like the UAE Golden Visa lies in their credibility,' Rayyad says. 'Points-based systems in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are also gaining traction, as countries prioritise applicants' qualifications and long-term value over cash.' Bayat is clear: The idea of investment migration isn't under attack, only the way it has been misused. 'Citizenship is a sovereign right, but it carries responsibilities for both the issuing state and the individual,' he says. 'The US and EU message is loud and clear: adapt or be shut out.'
