Amid the political instability, economic challenges, uncertainty, and turbulent situation witnessed in some Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, obtaining a second citizenship from a country with a strong passport such as Saint Lucia is considered a wise decision and kind of hedging for these nationalities. It can provide them access to broader economic and travel opportunities, global mobility, and greater stability and security.
Obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship will give Lebanese, Iraqis, and Syrians the right to live, work, invest, and access the public services offered. In this article, we will be comparing Saint Lucia’s passport with the Lebanese, Syrian, and Iraqi passports and highlighting their benefits.
An ideal option for Lebanese
Lebanon has been facing political instability and security issues for many years, which has resulted in travel restrictions for its citizens. The country is also experiencing an economic crisis, high levels of inflation, and currency devaluation, which have severely impacted the Lebanese. Moreover, the limited diplomatic relations with some countries make it difficult for citizens to obtain visas and travel to those countries. These combined factors have limited travel options for Lebanese citizens and resulted in a lower passport ranking compared to other countries. In 2023, Lebanon’s passport was ranked 102nd among global passports.
For these aforementioned reasons, Saint Lucia’s passport can be an ideal option for Lebanese, as it provides them with a lot of benefits, including visa-free access to several countries, economic and financial stability, myriad business opportunities, and tax incentives.
Here is a comparison between Lebanon’s and Saint Lucia’s passports and the benefits that citizens can avail of:
Freedom of Movement
The St. Lucia passport is ranked 32nd among global passports, providing its holders visa-free access and visa on arrival to 147 destinations, including the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Russia. While Lebanese passport holders can enter only 41 countries without a visa. Lebanese investors who are involved in various businesses in Europe and required to travel frequently to these countries either to expand their business or to search for new suppliers can find the Saint Lucian passport an ideal option as it allows them to travel to the Schengen area hassle-free and stay for up to 90 days at a time.
Promising business opportunities
Having Saint Lucian citizenship can open doors for Lebanese investors and entrepreneurs to do business and get a foothold in the market. With its growing tourism industry with a focus on luxury and eco-tourism, Lebanese can invest in hotels, resorts, lodges, and restaurants. The country also has a growing financial services sector, including banking, insurance, and wealth management, and this could be a perfect opportunity for Lebanese who have been suffering for a few years from the economic crisis and have limited access to their accounts in banks. Saint Lucia’s real estate market is flourishing, with demand for both commercial and residential properties. Lebanese developers can explore opportunities to invest in real estate development projects in the country.
Safety and Security
Saint Lucia is considered a safe destination with a low crime rate. It is also a stable democracy with a peaceful political climate. Lebanon is seeing an increase in murders and suicides, according to Information International, a Beirut-based research center. These dramatic surges in crime and theft in the last few years were mostly due to the economic crisis, severe currency devaluation, and layoffs, all while the government offered no support to mitigate these issues.
A Path to Peace and Prosperity for Syrian
Syria has been suffering from political instability and an economic crisis for many years. As a result, the Syrian passport ranks 2nd worst in the world for visa-free travel. However, a second passport can offer a number of benefits for Syrians, including visa-free travel to a wider range of countries, financial security, and access to better education and health care.
Here is a comparison between Saint Lucia’s and Syria’s passports and the benefits that can be obtained:
Visa-free travel
Saint Lucian Citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to 147 countries, including the United Kingdom and the European Union. While Syrian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to only 37 countries. For some Syrians, it is difficult to cross borders due to visa restrictions and sanctions imposed on their country. But having St. Lucia’s citizenship may protect them from being singled out or scrutinized at borders.
Political and economic security
St. Lucia has a stable political and economic environment, and this provides security for its passport holders with regard to the stability of their investments and financial rights. On the other hand, Syria suffers from weak political and economic stability, which poses great challenges for investors and Syrian passport holders.
Saint Lucia is also considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. So, Syrians can find safety and protection in Saint Lucia and live in a stable and peaceful environment.
Quality of life
St. Lucia is known for its stunning landscapes, relaxed environment, and beautiful beaches. Therefore, passport holders can enjoy a high quality of life in a healthy and safe environment. While Syria has been suffering for more than ten years from wars and unrest that have affected the quality of life for its population,
Legal Safety
Saint Lucia passport holders benefit from the legal protections and rights provided by Saint Lucia’s advanced legal system. On the other hand, Syria suffers from challenges in providing adequate legal protection to its citizens due to political unrest and internal divisions.
Financial security
Aaint Lucia has a strong economy and a stable financial system. This can give Syrian investors peace of mind, knowing that their investment is in a safe and stable country.
Employment Opportunities
Saint Lucia provides many employment opportunities locally and has talented and highly skilled labor, so Syrian investors can take advantage of these opportunities to start or expand their businesses and achieve success and financial independence.
Advanced Education and healthcare services
Saint Lucia provides an advanced and high-quality education system; therefore, Syrians can resume their higher education in its universities and educational institutions. This contributes to improving their skills and increasing their chances of obtaining better job opportunities in the future.
St. Lucia provides a high-quality and well-developed healthcare system. Syrian investors can benefit from the medical and treatment services in St. Lucia and rest assured that they will receive the necessary health care.
Real estate investments
Saint Lucia is a popular tourist destination with a strong real estate sector. Syrian investors can take advantage of real estate investment opportunities in Saint Lucia, whether it is for personal use or as an opportunity to get a good financial return on their investment.
A Promising Tomorrow for Iraqis
Iraq, as well, has been facing political instability and security issues for many years, which has resulted in travel restrictions for its citizens and a lower passport ranking compared to other countries. The Iraqi passport is currently ranked 110th among global passports. For these reasons, a St. Lucian passport can provide Iraqi citizens with several benefits, including greater travel freedom, business opportunities, access to education, safety and security, and greater flexibility.
Here is a comparison between Iraq’s and Saint Lucia’s passports, and the benefits that citizens can take advantage of:
Global mobility
Obtaining global mobility is expensive and requires a lot of paperwork; however, one of the best ways available to make it easier is through citizenship through investment programs. While Iraqis can only enter 29 destinations without a visa, acquiring a St. Lucian passport can provide them visa-free access to 147 destinations, including the Schengen area, Russia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This feature can help Iraqi investors cross borders with ease, and push their business boundaries, especially since visa applications are time-consuming, and must be renewed on a regular basis.
Myriad opportunities
Iraq’s private sector is substantially underdeveloped, reflecting the challenging business environment such as systemic corruption, a lack of access to finance, and an overly burdensome regulatory and tax system. Iraq ranked 172 out of 190 in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index[1]. However, holding St. Lucia’s citizenship can open the door to immense business opportunities. With its growing economy, Iraqi investors can explore opportunities in various sectors like tourism, real estate, and renewable energy.
Developed Education system
The several decades of conflict and under-investment in Iraq have destroyed what used to be the best education system in the region and severely curtailed Iraqi children’s access to quality learning. Today, there are close to 3.2 million school-aged Iraqi children out of school[2]. On the contrary, St. Lucia has a relatively developed education system, so Iraqis can take advantage of this world-class system to receive a better education.
Political and security situation
Iraq remains subject to regional tensions, as protests regularly take place in and around the International Zone in Baghdad and escalate into violence. There may be restrictions on movement, and the Iraqi authorities have the discretion to impose curfews as they deem necessary. On the other hand, St. Lucia is generally considered a safe and secure country, with low crime rates and a stable political climate. Therefore, holding a St. Lucian passport can provide Iraqi citizens with the security that they may lack in their home country.
For Lebanese, Iraqi, and Syrian investors who need the freedom to cross borders and explore new business opportunities abroad, one passport would confine their freedom of travel and mobility. For more information about the St. Lucia citizenship by investment program, please visit our website here.
[1] World Bank Doing Business Index