The Antigua Citizenship by Investment Act (No.21 of 2016) creates additional grounds upon which a person may be deprived of his citizenship. The Law was passed the Senate on the 19 December, 2016 and was published in the official gazette on 16th February, 2017.
The Citizenship Act the Minister responsible for citizenship may by order deprive any person of citizenship granted under this Act, if that person—
- does not spend at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda during the period of five calendar years after his registration;
- has used false identification documents to obtain citizenship;
- has concealed material facts;
- has made fraudulent representation; or
- has sold or offered for sale his document evidencing his citizenship.
The Loss of citizenship can also occur for CIP nationals who has been convicted in Antigua and Barbuda of an act of treason or sedition.
A person who is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda by investment that person shall have a right to appeal to the High Court and to be represented by his attorney-at-law. The decision of the High Court shall be final.
Important to note: Once the citizenship is revoked, all passports associated with the holder and their family members will also be revoked. The investment made to acquire citizenship is also lost and not refunded by the government
The Antigua & Barbuda passport will be valid for a period of 5 years and will be considered for renewal subject to the recipient having spent a total of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda, since gaining citizenship, within the 5 year period. The passport does not afford automatic voting rights and persons would need to qualify as outlined in the Representation of the People Act.
