July 11, the newly elected Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Gaston Browne, met with Dr. Winner Xing, President of Worldway Immigration Group, and his delegation at the Prime Minister's office. Dr. Winner Xing first congratulated Mr. Gaston Browne on his victory in the Antigua and Barbuda general election on June 12 and his successful appointment as Prime Minister. The two parties held in-depth discussions on how to improve and promote the newly launched Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program.
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most affluent countries in the Caribbean, often referred to as the "back garden of North America." It boasts world-renowned pristine beaches and attracts a steady stream of tourists from Canada, the United States, and Europe every year. After thoroughly studying the investment immigration laws of other Commonwealth countries, particularly Canada, and soliciting public opinion nationwide, the government of Antigua and Barbuda officially approved and launched a new immigration act in 2013, known as the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act.
Antigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth nation with the British monarch as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. Mr. Gaston Browne is the leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, which he led to victory in the general election on June 12, making him the new Prime Minister. Despite the numerous domestic and international affairs he faced upon taking office, Prime Minister Browne's decision to meet with representatives from a Chinese immigration agency demonstrates the high importance the new Labour government places on the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. The Antigua and Barbuda passport holds a high reputation globally; therefore, the government has maintained a cautious approach to the program, aiming to attract outstanding global investors.
Prior to meeting with the President of Worldway Immigration Group, Prime Minister Browne was already aware of Worldway's extensive experience in promoting fast-track citizenship programs for Commonwealth countries, and thus attached great importance to this meeting. Dr. Winner Xing, President of Worldway, introduced the company's successful experience as the global general agent for the Commonwealth of Kiribati's fast-track citizenship program and as a primary agent for the Greater China region for the Commonwealth of Nauru's fast-track citizenship program, which Prime Minister Browne highly commended. He specifically praised Worldway Group for being the first to promote the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program in China and for achieving initial success. The first batch of investors applying through Worldway for the Antigua program received approval in just 32 days. This reflects both the high efficiency of the Antigua and Barbuda government in processing the program and the excellent quality of Worldway's documentation, which allows investors' applications to be approved in a short period.
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda with the President of Worldway
Dr. Winner Xing, President of Worldway, also offered suggestions for improving the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. Under current regulations, investors are required to reside in the country for a cumulative total of 35 days within 5 years after obtaining their Antigua passport. Dr. Winner Xing suggested abolishing this requirement and also recommended that the new government review the fee structure, with the possibility of lowering the investment citizenship fees. Furthermore, the Doctor provided suggestions regarding due diligence for the program, advising the government to strengthen and improve the efficiency of the due diligence process.
After carefully listening to the suggestions from Dr. Winner Xing, President of Worldway, regarding the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, Prime Minister Browne stated that he would seriously study these proposals at a meeting to be held in 3 days, on July 14. Dr. Winner Xing expressed his excitement at Prime Minister Browne's swift response to the opinions of a Chinese immigration firm, expressing his belief that under Prime Minister Browne's leadership, Antigua's social and economic development will see further progress. Finally, Prime Minister Browne thanked the President of Worldway for visiting Antigua and for providing suggestions on how to improve and promote the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. After the meeting, the two parties shook hands and posed for photos in a friendly atmosphere.
