Solomon Islands passport Photo: RNZ Pacific
The head of policy in the Solomon Islands government says the country's proposed citizenship by investment program will "never be commercialised in a manner that compromises sovereignty".
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremia Manele announced in parliament in September last year that his government of national unity (GNUT) was laying out the groundwork for a citizenship by investment program to boost government revenue.
Manele said the program was a priority in his government's 100-day plan.
The program is aimed at attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth. However, the government says there is "still a long way to go" before it gets off the ground.
In a press release on Sunday, the head of the Policy Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, McFaddean Aoraunisaka, said, "Citizenship is a sacred bond between an individual and our nation."
"It shall never be commercialised in a manner that compromises the sovereignty, dignity, or identity of the Solomon Islands."
According to the release, the Solomon Islands is mindful of international concerns about such a program, particularly those of Vanuatu and other jurisdictions, including criticisms from Western nations and regional oganisations, such as the European Union.
However, the Solomon Islands views criticism toward the citizenship by investment program as "unfair and obstructive, undermining the development aspirations of small and emerging economies", according to Aoraunisaka.
The government is carefully analysing the pros and cons of such an initiative "to ensure that any future program is transparent, secure, and fully aligned with the Solomon Islands' Constitution and national interests".
"The GNUT is also factoring in the current international geopolitical environment, including heightened scrutiny and policy changes under the administration of United States President Donald Trump, which have seen broader restrictions and travel bans against countries implementing Citizenship by Investment programs," the release stated.
"These dynamics are being carefully considered to safeguard the Solomon Islands' long-term interests."
The government said reports that Solomon Islands' citizenship by investment program is already operational are "false and fraudulent", adding that there is no lawful citizenship by investment program currently in place.
It said "the necessary legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks are still under development and still a long way to go."
Aoraunisaka added the Solomon Islands will retain full sovereign control over all citizenship matters.
"Any partnership with external agents will be tightly regulated, transparent, and entirely on Solomon Islands' terms."
The Solomon Islands government is warning individuals and organisations to disregard any unauthorised advertisements, solicitations, or representations related to the country's citizenship by investment program.
It added that legal action will be taken against any party found to be misusing the name of the Solomon Islands for scams or fraudulent activities.
