Without proper safeguards, reliance on investor visas may benefit external stakeholders more than local communities, potentially exacerbating inequality and sidelining broader, sustainable development.
Similar programs elsewhere, like in the UK and Canada have either been shut down or paused due to financial crime risks and limited tangible economic returns . There are valid fears around money laundering, fraud, and systemic corruption.
The investor visa program has strong potential to help balance and diversify the economy, only if implemented with transparent, robust due diligence and equitable frameworks. However, without strong oversight and inclusive policy design, it also risks steering the country toward overdependence on wealthy investors and real estate, while exposing it to governance vulnerabilities.
