Ended
Ending Corruption Abuse Of EU Golden Passports & Visas (Transparency International)
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Cities and Communities, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities
Volunteering Duration
11 Jan, 2024 - 25 Jan, 2024
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THE PROBLEM Golden passport and visa schemes have turned European Union (EU) citizenship and residency rights into a luxury good: with enough money, anyone can buy in. This is a particularly attractive prospect for criminals and the corrupt – and numerous scandals have proven they are taking advantage. These EU golden passport and visa schemes are not about genuine investment or migration – but about serving corrupt interests. OUR SOLUTION Golden passport schemes need to be banned. Golden visa schemes must be regulated with adequate checks in place. We have been calling on the European Commission to harmonise rules across the EU and stop the abuses by requiring that EU governments make significant reforms to the schemes and conduct enhanced due diligence on applicants and their money. New rules should also require private sector intermediaries to adhere to anti-money laundering obligations. Past mistakes cannot be forgotten with reform. Governments should review previously awarded golden passports and visas, and the European Commission should oversee the process of revoking citizenship or residency from those who should have never received it in the first place.
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