golden passports — The topic of fast-track citizenship, often referred to as golden passports, has resurfaced in Cyprus, prompting significant concerns among legislators and the public alike. This renewed focus follows inquiries by independent MP Alexandra Attalides regarding the recent modifications to citizenship laws.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
In Cyprus, there are three primary pathways to citizenship: descent from Cypriot parents, marriage to a Cypriot, and naturalisation. The first two avenues are not applicable to the majority of applicants, leaving naturalisation as the common route for third-country nationals. This process, governed by Article 111 of the Population Register Law of 2002, requires individuals to be residents for eight years, with the final year spent continuously in Cyprus. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good character, financial independence, and proficiency in Greek.
However, amendments to the law have introduced a new pathway tailored for “highly specialised” employees, primarily within the IT and technology sectors, who can now apply for citizenship after just four years. This change also eases the language requirements, permitting applicants to speak Greek at an A2 level, although an extra year is added to the residency requirement in such cases.
In her inquiries, Attalides learned from Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou that 208 third-country nationals, along with 65 dependents, had successfully obtained citizenship under this revised framework, with an additional 360 applications pending. The MP’s request for details on the companies employing these individuals and the number of citizenships granted per company was met with the response that such records were neither maintained nor required by law.
Attalides expressed her concerns that the changes might enable companies to effectively sell citizenships, drawing parallels to the now-defunct Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), which faced significant scrutiny before its discontinuation in 2020. She plans to introduce a draft law aimed at mandating the migration department to maintain comprehensive records of applicants, including their employers, nationalities, job positions, and qualifications, in a bid to ensure transparency.
“If you go on TikTok, I’ve seen foreigners who are advertising this scheme, saying ‘Come to Cyprus, get a job, get citizenship’,” she claimed, highlighting the potential for exploitation of the fast-track provisions.
Online platforms like TikTok have indeed seen a surge in content promoting the ease of obtaining Cypriot citizenship. While there is nothing illegal about lawyers or consultants assisting individuals in navigating the citizenship process, the lack of oversight raises critical questions about fairness and equal opportunity. Attalides is wary that without proper regulation, certain well-connected companies could benefit disproportionately from the relaxed criteria.
Cyprus’ government aims to position the country as a leading hub for technology and innovation, a strategy that Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, believes is essential for economic growth. He noted that the technology sector contributes over 14 per cent to the national GDP, asserting that attracting specialised talent is vital for future development.
However, this focus on attracting high-skilled professionals through fast-track citizenship raises ethical questions about the nature of citizenship itself. Many long-term residents, such as domestic workers or entrepreneurs in other sectors, may find themselves overlooked despite their contributions to society. The contrast is stark, as individuals who may have lived in Cyprus for years and integrated into the community often struggle to obtain citizenship, while those in high-demand sectors are fast-tracked.
The issue at hand is not solely about the criteria for citizenship but also about what values underlie these legal frameworks. Should citizenship be awarded based on economic utility, or should it reflect a deeper connection to the country? Attalides, who opposed the recent amendments, suggests that a more equitable approach would be to grant residence permits instead of citizenship to those in specialised roles.
As discussions unfold about the implications of these changes, Attalides warns, “In a few years from now, this will be the new big scandal.” The path forward remains fraught with challenges, as the balance between economic needs and ethical considerations continues to be debated.