It’s unfortunate that when there is conflict in the world, sometimes, people who are not personally involved have to bear the consequences.

One area that is becoming more apparent as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues is in immigration. At the same time that many Russian people are looking for options to make their home in a different country, many of those countries are changing their policies to exclude Russian nationals.

Here’s what you need to know about the Russian Belarusian CBI Suspension, when it started, why it is happening and when it is likely to end.

Russian Belarusian CBI Suspension

Unfortunately, when there is conflict between countries, sanctions and legal action are some of the means other countries use to try to diffuse the situation. The Russian – Belarusian CBI suspension is exactly that. It’s another way that countries are trying to put pressure on the Russian government, in the hopes of ending the war.

However, this citizenship by investment suspension has a direct impact on individuals too, and unfortunately, it means that for the meantime, there are fewer options for citizenship by investment for citizens of Russia and Belarus.

No one knows exactly when these suspensions will be lifted, but it’s safe to assume that as long as there is conflict in Ukraine, it will be difficult for Russian and Belarusian citizens to take advantage of golden visa programs. Let’s look at some of the current citizenship by investment restrictions that are already in place.

List of Island Programs

Many islands in the Caribbean and elsewhere have had citizenship by investment programs for some time, but several have put restrictions in place for citizens of Russia and Belarus. So far, the suspension timeline for those islands includes:

• On February 28^th, one of the banks that operation St. Lucia’s CIP program suspends funds from Russian banks
• Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda suspended Russian and Belarusian applications for their citizenship by investment program on March 4^th
• On March 8^th, St. Kitts and Nevis followed suit
• On March 10^th, Grenada suspended applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals
• On March 18^th, St. Lucia officially suspended Russian and Belarusian applications

This means that currently – and until something changes – neither Russian nor Belarusian citizens can apply to any of the five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.

European

It’s not only the island nations above that have put citizenship by investment suspensions against Russians and Belarusians in place. So far, several European countries have suspended their programs for those countries too, including:

• Portugal, which implemented a ban on the 26^th of February
• On the 28^th of February, Greece followed suit, suspending applications for their golden visa program from Russia and Belarus
• On the 2^nd of March, Malta also implemented a suspension for their MEIN and MPRP programs

As the conflict continues and escalates, there’s a good chance that more countries will make changes to their programs, and even those that don’t might make applying harder for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

FAQ

Why are countries implementing Russian – Belarusian CBI suspensions?

The rest of the world does not want to get directly involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine – but they do want it to end as soon as possible. So many countries have started implementing economic sanctions and measures like the Russian CBI suspension.

How long will the Russian CBI suspension last?

No one knows for sure, and right now, there is no end date in sight. The bans will probably last at least until the end of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine though, and possibly for some time after hostilities cease.

Will other countries announce a Russian CBI suspension?

No one knows that for sure either, but it’s very likely that the longer the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the more countries will decide to implement a Russian – Belarusian CBI suspension.

Countries can change their policies at any time, without much warning, so if you are Russian or Belarusian and are looking to emigrate somewhere, it’s best to make your plans sooner rather than later.

Are there any countries where Russians and Belarusians can still apply?

Yes. Some countries, like Turkey, have not implemented a Russian CBI suspension, nor have they indicated that they plan to make those changes. However, again, anything can change on short notice when it comes to immigration, so if you want to make a move, it’s best to make it as soon as possible.