INTERVIEW: In Aftermath Of Brexit, Some HNW Migrants Turn Gaze To Caribbean

Tom Burroughes

18 July 2016

Brexit has happened, and it will have a big effect on migration patterns and the attractions of certain types of residency and passport. One consequence of the 23 June referendum result, according to , a firm specialising in such matters, has been a surge of enquiries, giving it the chance to showcase regions such as the Caribbean.

“Since the vote, Europeans living in the UK have been calling our offices to learn about how they can become UK citizens,” Micha Emmett, group managing director of CS Global, told this publication.

The referendum result has affected citizenship requests for regions outside of Europe and the UK. Emmett said that the Caribbean region is drawing attention, with enquiries for citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes in the Caribbean rising by more than 30 per cent in a matter of days (she declined to give an exact figure). “These enquiries are coming both from UK and non-UK residents, who are concerned about their future following the decision to leave the EU,” she said.

Emmett said one benefit of the Caribbean for those seeking links with the UK is that the region has strong ties to the UK, as demonstrated by membership in the Commonwealth bloc of nations. The firm argues that CBI programmes have gained global prominence in recent years. The Caribbean twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis pioneered this approach in 1984.

There are many unanswered questions about how migration may unfold in the future between the UK and the rest of the EU but a number of options merit attention, Emmett said.

“Citizenship of another country can open up a wealth of new opportunities. This is particularly true of citizenship of the Caribbean, where nations such as Grenada can provide numerous benefits to citizens.

"I’m not just talking about lifestyle benefits - such as excellent education options and a safe environment in which to raise children. Businesspersons look to these nations as alternative means of facilitating international trade, and to reduce the impact of any change in trade agreements between the UK and the EU. Citizens of Grenada, for example, can enjoy visa-free travel to about 120 countries - including trade giant China, a low tax-regime, and the ability to apply for a US E-2 Visa, which can facilitate entrepreneurial activity,” she said.

Asked what sort of countries are drawing attention from wealthy migrants, Emmett said people are considering options for dual citizenship – which they did not do prior to the referendum. “The vast majority is looking at citizenship by descent, although some are also looking at second citizenship in other Commonwealth jurisdictions,” she said.

“A large number of individuals are confused about the meaning of the vote, and hope to gauge our opinion on what will be Britain’s next move with respect to the free movement of people. We believe that there will be a long consultation period prior to Britain’s exit, which will be followed by a transition period. This gives people time to think through their options without panicking,” she said.

“Our main line of advice, which we have been giving for years, is that a second citizenship is an insurance policy, and can provide security even when everything else seems steeped in uncertainty,” Emmett said.

“CS Global Partners did put contingencies in place to handle queries about Brexit. The result was surprising for everyone. We are interested to see what will happen next,” she said.

(To see a previous interview with the firm, click here.)