Solomon Island Government reaffirms Citizenship is Not for Sale

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 27 April 2025 – The Policy Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet reaffirmed the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) official position regarding the proposed Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister and Head of Policy, Mr. McFaddean Aoraunisaka, stated that while the GNUT acknowledges the potential economic benefits of a responsibly managed Citizenship by Investment initiative, the Government firmly asserts that the Solomon Islands is not for sale.

“Citizenship is a sacred bond between an individual and our nation,” Mr. Aoraunisaka said. “It shall never be commercialized in a manner that compromises the sovereignty, dignity, or identity of the Solomon Islands.” In the formulation of the CBI program, the Solomon Islands Government is closely monitoring global experiences, particularly those of the Republic of Vanuatu and other jurisdictions. Lessons from both successes and challenges are being carefully analyzed to ensure that any future program is transparent, secure, and fully aligned with the Solomon Islands’ Constitution and national interests.

The Solomon Islands reaffirms its commitment to developing the Solomon Islands Citizenship by Investment Program based on rigorous due diligence.

The Government remains mindful of international concerns, particularly criticisms from certain Western countries and regional organizations such as the European Union, regarding CBI programs. Mr. Aoraunisaka noted that GNUT views these reactions as often unfair and obstructive, undermining the development aspirations of small and emerging economies like the Solomon Islands. The GNUT is also factoring in the current international geopolitical environment, including heightened scrutiny and policy changes under the administration of United States President Donald Trump, which have seen broader restrictions and travel bans against countries implementing.

Citizenship by Investment programs. These dynamics are being carefully considered to safeguard the Solomon Islands’ long-term interests. The Government has further noted with concern reports of unauthorized advertisements and misleading claims suggesting that the Solomon Islands’ CBI program is already operational. The Solomon Islands Government categorically declares that such claims are false and fraudulent. No lawful Citizenship by Investment program is currently in place.

The necessary legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks are still under development. Until officially launched through the proper legal channels, there is no valid avenue to acquire Solomon Islands citizenship by investment. The GNUT has also observed attempts by certain foreign agencies and private entities to exert undue influence over the potential CBI program. The Government strongly rejects any arrangement that compromises national sovereignty or cedes control of Solomon Islands citizenship to foreign interests. “The Solomon Islands will retain full sovereign control over all citizenship matters,” Mr. Aoraunisaka emphasized. “Any partnership with external agents will be tightly regulated, transparent, and entirely on Solomon Islands’ terms.”

The Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, warns all individuals and organizations to disregard any unauthorized advertisements, solicitations, or representations related to the Solomon Islands’ Citizenship by Investment program. Legal action will be taken against any party found to be misusing the name of the Solomon Islands for scams or fraudulent activities. The GNUT remains committed to establishing, if pursued, a Citizenship by Investment program based on rigorous due diligence, transparency, robust regulation, and above all, the preservation of Solomon Islands’ sovereignty and national pride.