Citizenship cannot be a ‘fast-track service in exchange for investment’, says Armenian interior minister on ‘golden passports’
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Citizenship cannot be a “fast-track service in exchange for investment” but must be based on a genuine and lasting connection with the state, Armenian Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan has said, commenting on the European Union visa liberalisation action plan’s requirement to refrain from granting citizenship in exchange for investment under so-called “golden passport” schemes.
The minister stressed that the benchmark had been formulated as a preventive measure and was fully consistent with Armenia’s agenda for reforming the institution of citizenship. She added that it did not contradict the government’s policies aimed at increasing the country’s investment attractiveness.
“The concept of granting citizenship in exchange for investment has been discussed from time to time, and these discussions are not new. However, as the official responsible for this sector, my position is clear and principled: citizenship cannot be a fast-track service in exchange for investment. It is an institution that must be based on a genuine and lasting connection with the state,” Sargsyan said.
According to the minister, Armenia has not developed “golden passport” schemes, and the country’s current policy directions do not envisage introducing such a model. She stressed that this approach does not in any way restrict investment policy, since promoting investment and the institution of citizenship are based on different principles and cannot be regarded as interchangeable instruments.
“Our policy approach is the following: we create a stable and open environment for investment, while preserving citizenship as an institution based on a stable and genuine connection with the state. We are currently drafting a package of amendments to the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, which will also introduce stricter provisions. This means that we are reassessing the value of citizenship as an institution,” the interior minister said.