Glavin: The questions politicians don’t want us asking about Chinese money –Canadian journalist Terry Glavin blames immigrant investor program for attracting corrupt officials from China, highlights case of Vancouver developer Michael Ching, accused of embezzlement in China.
No clarity yet on publication of IIP citizens’ list – Malta’s Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela says he is mindful of obligation to publish names of new citizens. Russians make up more than half of applicants, of which there have been 173 since January and more than 570 since applications opened.
Quebec To Re-Open Immigrant Investor Program – The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) will reopen for applications from August 31, 2015 through January 29, 2016. Program will accept 1,750 applicants, with no more than 1,200 from any single country; those with French language skills are eligible for priority processing.
Bernard Wolfsdorf Selected as Global Immigration Lawyer of the Year – Founding Partner of Wolfsdorf Rosenthal, specialized in EB-5 investor immigration, wins Who’s Who Legal award for sixth consecutive year.
St. Kitts & Nevis engages IPSA International to assist Citizenship by Investment Program, Improve Transparency – Prime Minister Timothy Harris says his government has accepted 20 recommendations for improved governance, risk mitigation and compliance.
Vanuatu sells honorary citizenships in fundraising effort after Cyclone Pam destruction – “Economic rehabilitation after Pam” initiative will sell citizenship, priced at $162,000, to 100 applicants.
Malta Offers Citizenship and All Its Perks for a Price – New York Times Dealbook overview of Malta citizenship program and controversy surrounding it.
Passport for sale: Instability in the Middle East leaves many seeking second citizenship – Overview of growth in popularity of citizenship-by-investment in the Middle East.
Portugal investigates corruption, money-laundering in granting of visas to non-EU investors – The Finance Ministry said the office of the secretary of state for tax affairs was one of 34 places searched.
Australia visa suspension to affect investors from China – Zhong Jian, an Australia-based representative from Aus Property Investment Group, says many Chinese applicants had broken Significant Investor Visa rules by investing in real estate; analysts believe demand from Chinese will continue after revamp.