Nauru Grants First Citizenship Under Climate-Resilience Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The Republic of Nauru has officially welcomed its first new citizens under the government’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, announced at COP29 late last year.

According to a statement, Nauru launched the programme as a way for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific.

Program Chief Executive Officer, Edward Clark revealed the first approved applicant is a German family of four who recently sold their long-standing family business and are currently living in Dubai.

“They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility and chose the Nauru Economic & Climate Resilience Citizenship Program because the contribution was going towards tackling the impacts of climate change on the island,” he explained.

Clark said it took under four months from receiving the application to the granting of citizenship, and that strict due diligence processes were followed, which is a fundamental pillar of the programme and a safeguard for Nauru’s reputation and security.

“All applicants undergo checks with international law enforcement agencies and are subject to in-depth background verification. Our entire application process is consistent with international best practices,” added Clark.

Nauru is embarking on a long-term project that will reform the nation in the face of economic challenges and climate change, which, as well as dealing with issues like food and water security, includes the “Higher Ground Initiative” – relocating almost the entire population from the coast to higher ground.

The new citizens from Germany applied through international migration agents Henley & Partners, who in a statement said the company is “incredibly proud to represent the first applicant to be successfully granted citizenship under the Republic of Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

-- BERNAMA