What do experts say?

A UAE-based tax lawyer that spoke to said that many are concerned that such programmes may attract the wrong people, specifically sanctioned individuals. “There are genuine cases where [these programmes] serve good purposes, but they may be abused, too. Firms that provide these services have strict due diligence to make sure applicants are legitimate. But incentive schemes are also used by people who’d like to have another passport for tax purposes,” said the lawyer who asked to remain anonymous.

European politicians have also said that citizenship-by-investment schemes could provide a backdoor for certain individuals looking to avoid sanctions in their home countries.