Nuri Katz Backs Browne’s CIP Exit Proposal, Urges Caribbean Leaders to Follow Suit

Citizenship by Investment expert Nuri Katz has backed Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s proposal to negotiate an end to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, saying any phase-out should be linked to financial and other assistance from the European Union.

Katz, the founder of Apex Capital Partners, described Browne’s approach as the logical response and urged other Caribbean countries operating similar programmes to pursue the same strategy.

“Gaston Browne did the only logical thing by agreeing to negotiate a phase out of the program and connecting that phase out to financial and other assistance for Antigua and Barbuda for the EU, hopefully the other Caribbean CIP countries will do the same,” Katz said.

His endorsement follows Browne’s October 30 letter to European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, outlining Antigua and Barbuda’s willingness to terminate the programme on a negotiated basis.

The government is seeking a transition until the end of 2030, alongside technical assistance and a package of budget and development support to help address the consequences of closure.

That proposed timetable extends beyond the June 1, 2028 closure date communicated by the European Commission. The letter does not indicate that the EU has accepted Antigua and Barbuda’s requested extension.

Katz’s comments support linking the negotiations over closure to the assistance the country would need to manage the loss of programme-related revenue and investment.

In his letter, Browne proposed a comprehensive assessment of the fiscal, financial, economic, social and legal consequences of termination, to be completed and shared with the Commission by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The findings would inform the government’s request for EU support proportionate to the revenue, investment and employment expected to be lost.

Browne warned that an abrupt end could leave financing gaps, disrupt development projects and create risks for banks that have provided loans in anticipation of repayment from programme proceeds.

He argued that a longer transition would allow existing obligations to be honoured, projects to be completed and affected loans to be repaid or restructured.

The proposal forms part of Antigua and Barbuda’s effort to preserve citizens’ visa-free access to the Schengen area while negotiating time and support for an economic adjustment.

Katz’s appeal for other Caribbean CIP countries to follow the same approach also echoes Browne’s stated intention to work with Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States partners on a common regional position wherever possible.