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The EU physique will file a authorized problem in opposition to Malta for the scheme that enables rich foreigners to purchase citizenship.
The European Fee has stated it’ll file a authorized problem in opposition to Malta for its so-called golden passport programme that enables rich foreigners to purchase citizenship in alternate for an funding of about 1 million euros ($970,000).
Holding a Maltese passport permits them to reside and work in any EU nation.
In latest months, Malta suspended the programme for Russian and Belarusian nationals following the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, nevertheless it continues to function the scheme for all different nationalities and “has not expressed any intention to finish it”, the Fee stated in an announcement on Thursday.
Brussels believes the scheme is in breach of EU legislation as a result of citizenship is granted with none actual obligation for the beneficiaries to reside within the nation.
The referral of the case to the EU Court docket of Justice comes after years of wrangling with Malta about tweaks to the scheme.
An infringement process concerning the programme was initiated by the European Fee in October 2020, however led to no tangible adjustments, the Fee stated.
Strain from Brussels has led to the suspension or abolition of golden passport schemes in different EU international locations, with Cyprus and Bulgaria being the newest to halt their programmes.
That leaves Malta alone within the EU, though many different international locations function programmes to promote visas.
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