In the remote South Pacific, there is an island nation called Nauru, which is facing a severe existential threat. As global warming progresses, the sea level continues to rise, and Nauru, with its land area of only 21.1 square kilometers, has become one of the first victims.
Currently, the rate of sea level rise in Nauru far exceeds the global average, and a survival crisis is looming, with 90% of the population facing the urgent situation of relocating inland.
Seeking a Glimmer of Hope
To address this predicament, the Nauru government has made a bold and controversial decision: to sell citizenship. This plan was announced by the President of Nauru himself, emphasizing that this is not merely the sale of travel documents, but a move to seek a glimmer of hope for Nauru's future and to ensure a safe homeland for future generations.
Once upon a time, Nauru enjoyed a prosperous life due to its rich phosphate resources. In 1975, its GDP per capita reached $35,700, five times that of the United States at the time, making it the highest per capita income country in the world. At the peak of the last century, Nauru's GDP per capita was $50,000, second only to Saudi Arabia, ranking second in the world.
However, as resources gradually depleted, Nauru's economy fell into a predicament. Now, under the immense pressure of rising sea levels, selling citizenship has become a way out in the eyes of the Nauru government. It is estimated that in the first year of the plan's implementation, Nauru hopes to raise $5.7 million.
Citizenship Plan
In 2024, Nauru launched the "Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Plan (NECRCP)," which includes the following policies: applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, possess a good personal background, and obtain Nauruan citizenship by donating to the Nauru Treasury Fund.
Specific donation amounts are as follows:
Single applicants $105,000; families of 2 to 4 people $110,000; families of 5 or more $115,000; each additional sibling of the main applicant or their spouse requires an additional payment of $15,000.
Other fees include an application fee of $25,000 for single applicants; $27,500 for families of 2 to 4 people; $30,000 for families of 5 or more. Due diligence fees are $10,000 for the main applicant; $7,500 for each additional family member aged 16 and over (spouse, siblings, children, or eligible adult dependents). Passport fees are $500 per passport, payable to the Nauru government.
Indeed, the practice of selling citizenship or similar "golden passport" projects to attract investment is not unique to Nauru internationally.
Precedents Exist
However, this plan is not without risks. Looking back, a previous passport sale event in Nauru encountered serious problems, with members of terrorist organizations purchasing Nauru passports for illegal activities and eventually being arrested.
With such precedents, the new plan was launched with a promise from the Nauru government to strictly screen applicants, allowing only like-minded investors to purchase citizenship. Nauru officials firmly believe that this plan is the "lifeline" for the nation's survival.
Although the Nauru government is hopeful, the citizenship sale plan has sparked widespread controversy. Critics have issued warnings about the risks involved, such as potential security risks and immigration management chaos. However, in the eyes of the Nauru government, this is a choice made out of desperation.
