TINY ISLAND SELLS CITIZENSHIP TO SAVE ITSELF

In the southwest Pacific Ocean lies a tiny island nation. Nauru spans only two square metres so calling it tiny is no exaggeration.

Because this island is small in size and low-lying, it faces the risk of disappearing under rising water levels.

Now, to save the island, the local government is selling citizenship for just under R2 million.

Known as the world’s third smallest country, Nauru doesn’t have the resources to protect itself from a climate crisis and its 12,500-strong population is getting more worried by the day.

The citizenship is sold in the form of a golden passport and the funding will be used to move 90% of the island’s population onto higher ground while building an entirely new community.

“While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future,” Nauru’s President David Adeang said.

Although the island nation is in desperate need of funds, it has stipulated that not every single application for citizenship will be accepted.

People with certain criminal histories will be prohibited from getting golden passports through citizenship.

So, is the passport worth just under R2 million? If you can afford it, yes.

With a Nauru passport, you’ll enjoy visa-free access to 89 countries, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Image credit: Full Time Adventurer