The U.S. Department of State has revoked more than 6,000 visas from foreign nationals whom U.S. authorities link to so-called birth tourism—trips to the United States for the purpose of giving birth to a child and securing U.S. citizenship for that child. The State Department announced this on November 12, 2026, on its official page on the social media platform X.
According to the department, the Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force has revoked more than 6,000 visas from foreign nationals who, according to U.S. authorities, participated in such trips or facilitated their organization.
“We are identifying everyone involved in this illegal practice and holding them accountable,” the State Department stated.
As early as October 31, the U.S. State Department reported the revocation of more than 4,000 visas as part of the fight against birth tourism.
Since both announcements contain rounded minimum figures, the exact number of additional visas revoked during this period is unknown.
In its October announcement, the State Department noted that more than 700 of the revoked visas belonged to Chinese citizens. The November update does not provide a breakdown by nationality.
There is also no information on the number of Ukrainian citizens who may have been affected by these restrictions.
SThe State Department established a special task force to combat birth tourism on August 12, 2026. At the time of its creation, U.S. authorities had already reported the revocation of more than 600 visas issued to foreign nationals from various countries. The unit’s primary mission is to review the travel histories of foreign nationals, identify potential violations of visa laws, and identify the organizers of commercial birth tourism schemes.
The task force collaborates with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. In August 2026, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order No. 14419, “Ending Birth Tourism,” which calls for stricter controls on the use of nonimmigrant visas for travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth.
The document authorizes U.S. authorities to take measures provided for by law, including denying visas, revoking previously issued entry permits, and imposing restrictions on individuals and organizations that facilitate such trips.
On September 23, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced additional visa restriction policies targeting foreigners involved in the commercial organization of birth tourism.
Specifically, restrictions may apply to owners and executives of relevant companies, intermediaries who assist in submitting false information on visa applications, as well as other participants in such schemes.
According to the State Department’s assessment, certain commercial companies earn tens of thousands of dollars by organizing trips for pregnant foreign women to the United States with the aim of securing U.S. citizenship for their children.
Under current U.S. regulations, a trip whose primary purpose is the birth of a child to obtain U.S. citizenship is not a valid basis for issuing a Category B visitor visa. At the same time, U.S. law permits foreign nationals to travel to receive medical services provided there are valid grounds and visa requirements are met.
The stated and actual purpose of the trip is of key importance. Concealing information from consular officers or providing false information may constitute grounds for visa denial or revocation.
Pregnancy alone does not automatically bar entry into the United States. The published data on more than 6,000 revoked visas also does not mean that the same number of people were deported from the United States or found guilty of criminal offenses. The new measures are aimed at regulating the visa process, not directly at changing the rules for children born on U.S. soil to acquire citizenship.
The issue of citizenship by birth is governed by specific provisions of U.S. law and remains the subject of legal and political debate.
For foreigners planning to travel to the U.S., the tightening of controls means they must more carefully verify the purpose of their visit, their financial resources, and the accuracy of the information provided in their visa documents.
The French Ministry of the Interior has relaxed its approach to reviewing citizenship applications from foreign retirees who reside permanently in the country but receive pension payments from abroad. The source of income is no longer considered grounds in and of itself for denying naturalization, The Connexion reported on November 11, 2026.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez provided the relevant clarification in a letter to Senator Nicole Bonnefoy of the Charente department, who had previously drawn the government’s attention to the difficulties foreign retirees face in obtaining French citizenship. Under the new approach, applications from retirees whose primary income comes from other countries may be considered favorably, provided they declare that income in France and demonstrate strong ties to the local community.
Such evidence may include, in particular, ownership of a primary residence in France for more than five years, active participation in community life, or experience working in local government.
However, owning real estate is not a mandatory requirement for naturalization and does not guarantee citizenship. This is one of several possible ways to demonstrate long-term residence and integration into society.
As Nunez noted, French authorities are already applying a more flexible approach. This has allowed them to approve several applications that had previously remained pending or were the subject of appeals.
The issue arose following the introduction of stricter administrative requirements for naturalization in May 2025 under former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The circular dated May 2, 2025, provided for enhanced verification of applicants’ economic integration and the location of the center of their material interests.
In practice, this led to denials for foreign retirees who had lived in France for a long time but received the bulk of their income in the form of pensions from other countries.
The problem particularly affected British citizens who, after Brexit, continued to live in France and receive pensions from the United Kingdom.
During parliamentary debates, Senator Nicole Bonnefoy pointed out that such foreign nationals pay local taxes, use the services of French businesses, own real estate, and participate in community life, yet may be denied residency due to the foreign origin of their income.
The Ministry of the Interior agreed on the need to take into account the individual circumstances of retirees, particularly the length of residence and actual integration.
At the same time, the current circular has not been repealed. The changes primarily concern how it is applied by French prefectures, rather than the introduction of a separate, simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship.
The standard naturalization procedure in France generally requires at least five years of continuous residence in the country, a legal basis for residence, proof of integration, and fulfillment of other requirements established by law.
As of January 1, 2026, France has tightened its French language proficiency requirements. To qualify for naturalization, applicants must demonstrate language proficiency at a level no lower than B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
A mandatory civics exam has also been introduced, consisting of 40 questions on history, culture, the political system, and the rights and obligations of citizens. To pass, applicants must answer at least 32 questions correctly.
For individuals who, due to health reasons or a disability, are unable to take the relevant tests, special accommodations or exemptions from certain tests may be granted upon presentation of medical documentation.
The new clarifications regarding foreign pensions do not override these general requirements. At the same time, foreign nationals who were previously denied citizenship specifically because they received pensions from abroad may consider resubmitting their applications in light of the new approach to assessing integration.
For foreign pensioners, particularly Ukrainian citizens, who are legally and permanently residing in France, this change in administrative practice may expand opportunities for naturalization. However, it does not create an automatic right to French citizenship.
Sources: The Connexion, November 11, 2026; French Senate, parliamentary inquiry on the naturalization of foreign retirees; French Ministry of the Interior, official rules for obtaining citizenship.
Switzerland will hold a nationwide referendum on February 28, 2027, on simplifying citizenship procedures for foreign residents. The proposed reform would reduce the minimum legal residency requirement from ten to five years, eliminate the mandatory permanent residence permit C and introduce uniform federal naturalization rules, reports the Experts Club information and analytical center.
The Swiss Federal Council decided on October 28, 2026, to schedule the vote. The referendum will consider the popular initiative “For Modern Citizenship” (Demokratie-Initiative), supported by the civic organization Aktion Vierviertel.
Under current legislation, foreigners seeking ordinary naturalization must have lived in Switzerland for at least ten years, hold a permanent residence permit C, demonstrate successful integration and possess knowledge of one of the country’s national languages. Cantons and municipalities may impose additional requirements, including minimum periods of residence within their jurisdictions.
The proposed reform would allow foreign residents to qualify for citizenship after five years of legal residence, provided they have basic knowledge of a national language, have not committed serious criminal offenses and pose no threat to national security. It would also limit the ability of local authorities to impose additional naturalization requirements.
However, both the federal government and parliament oppose the initiative. In April 2026, the National Council recommended rejecting it by 130 votes to 62. The Council of States adopted a similar position in September. Authorities argue that the reform could weaken integration requirements and reduce the powers of cantonal and municipal governments.
The proposed changes could affect a substantial proportion of the population. According to Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), the country had 2.414 million permanent foreign residents at the end of 2025, representing approximately 26.5% of the population. The largest foreign communities include citizens of Italy, Germany, Portugal and France. Switzerland granted citizenship to 41,269 people in 2025.
The referendum could be particularly important for Ukrainian nationals. According to the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (SKOS), 76,851 people held temporary protection status S in July 2026. The Federal Council has extended the protection system until at least March 4, 2028.
Ukrainians who have continuously resided in Switzerland for five years under status S may obtain a category B residence permit linked to temporary protection. However, this does not constitute permanent residence. Removing the mandatory category C permit requirement could potentially expand their access to naturalization.
Nevertheless, approval of the initiative would not automatically grant Swiss citizenship to Ukrainian refugees. Additional legislation would be required to establish procedures and clarify how different categories of legal residence would count toward eligibility.
Supporters argue that easier access to citizenship would strengthen the long-term integration of foreign workers and make Switzerland more attractive to skilled professionals. Opponents warn that reducing the residency requirement could weaken existing integration standards.
As the initiative proposes a constitutional amendment, it requires a double majority: approval by a majority of voters and a majority of cantons. Existing citizenship rules will remain unchanged until the referendum.
Barbados is preparing to launch a new program to attract foreign investors, which will grant permanent residency for investments of 5 million Barbadian dollars (approximately $2.5 million USD) in government-approved projects. In the future, investors will be able to apply for citizenship through a simplified procedure that requires actual residence in the country for at least 360 days over a specified period.
The new system is intended to serve as an alternative to traditional Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs, which are under pressure from the European Union due to security risks associated with the visa-free regime.
The bill provides for two main mechanisms for obtaining permanent resident status.
The first will allow a foreign national to apply for permanent residency after investing at least 5 million Barbadian dollars in a national development project officially approved by the government.
At a fixed exchange rate of 2 Barbadian dollars to 1 U.S. dollar, the minimum amount is approximately $2.5 million.
During a parliamentary debate on October 27, Barbados’ Minister of Home Affairs, Gregory Nicolls, cited water supply and wastewater treatment, healthcare, education, housing, renewable energy, infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and tourism as priority areas.
At the same time, investments must be directed toward projects that are of public interest and meet the criteria set by the government.
The second mechanism involves the use of a points-based system.
This will allow for the consideration of smaller investments—specifically, those starting at 1 million Barbadian dollars, or approximately $500,000—in designated development projects.
Points will be awarded based on the investment amount, the applicant’s age, family ties to Barbados, and other criteria.
Each point will correspond to six months of the required residency period, thereby shortening the standard five-year period needed to obtain permanent residency.
At the same time, investors will be required to meet physical presence requirements. To qualify for the points-based system, applicants must have resided in the country for at least 180 days over the preceding three years.
A separate citizenship bill proposes reducing the requirements for the duration of physical presence in the country.
Foreign nationals who are not citizens of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and have obtained permanent residency will be able to apply for citizenship after a cumulative stay in Barbados of 360 days within a statutory period of at least 1,460 days.
More lenient conditions apply to citizens of CARICOM member states: 270 days of residence within a period of at least 1,095 days.
The provisions also allow for the inclusion of the applicant’s spouse and dependents.
However, meeting the investment and residency requirements does not guarantee automatic granting of citizenship.
The Ministry of the Interior may deny an application on grounds of national security, public policy, the existence of criminal offenses specified by law, or insufficient means of support.
Minister of the Interior Gregory Nicolls emphasized that the government is not introducing a traditional Citizenship by Investment program.
The key difference is that investments will grant the right to apply for permanent residency, while obtaining citizenship will require a separate procedure and fulfillment of residency requirements.
Barbados has never had a classic program for the direct sale of citizenship, similar to the schemes in place in several other Caribbean countries.
The new rules could make the country more attractive to wealthy foreigners considering a move to the Caribbean region and investing in real estate, infrastructure, and tourism projects.
One notable change will be the ability to count time spent in the country under the Welcome Stamp program—designed for foreign remote workers—toward the legal residency period required to apply for permanent residency.
Barbados’s reform comes amid stricter European Union requirements for countries that grant citizenship in exchange for investment.
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia have come under pressure from Brussels.
The European Commission is demanding that these countries phase out their investment citizenship programs by June 1, 2028, warning that the visa-free regime with the EU could be suspended.
The main concern of European authorities is that third-country nationals can obtain Caribbean passports without actually residing in those countries and enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
According to the European Commission, this creates risks of inadequate vetting of applicants, money laundering, and circumvention of immigration restrictions.
According to a Reuters report dated October 29, 2026, the government of Antigua and Barbuda is considering a phased closure of its program. At the same time, the country is seeking additional time and financial support from the EU to compensate for budget losses.
For some Caribbean nations, revenue from investment citizenship programs accounts for a significant portion of government revenue and funding for construction projects.
Against this backdrop, Barbados is proposing a model in which foreign capital is attracted through investments in economic development, while citizenship remains the result of a separate naturalization process.
In addition to investment needs, the Barbadian government seeks to address demographic challenges related to an aging population and a declining birth rate.
According to data previously cited by the country’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley, 3,642 children were born in Barbados in 2000, while the number of deaths stood at 2,444.
By 2024, the situation had changed: the number of births had fallen to 1,995, while deaths had risen to 3,088.
The government views attracting foreign investors and specialists as one of the tools for supporting economic development, the labor market, and population growth.
For investors, a Barbadian passport remains an additional factor of attractiveness, as it provides visa-free access or the ability to obtain a visa upon arrival to approximately 162 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area.
At the same time, investment residency alone will not provide such opportunities. They will only become available after obtaining citizenship.
As of November 3, 2026, both bills are under consideration by the Barbados Senate.
Once the parliamentary process is complete, the bills will require final approval and official enactment.
In addition, the government will need to define the list of eligible investment projects, administrative fees, the application review process, investment retention periods, and other practical requirements.
Minister of Home Affairs Gregory Nichols previously expressed hope that the new legislation would be finalized by November 30, 2026, when Barbados will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its independence.
Barbados is an island nation in the Caribbean with a population of approximately 280,000. The main sectors of the economy are tourism, international financial services, trade, and construction. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 and became a parliamentary republic in 2021.
CITIZENSHIP, INVESTMENT, MIGRATION, REAL ESTATE, RESIDENCY, Барбадос
According to Relocation, Argentina has officially announced the launch of a citizenship-by-investment program that will allow foreigners to obtain an Argentine passport without going through the standard, multi-year naturalization process. The government plans to begin accepting applications as early as the fourth quarter of 2026.
The program was announced on October 2 during Argentina Week in Paris by Argentine Economy Minister Luis Caputo and Prime Minister Diego Santilli.
The government is offering foreigners two main options for participation.
The first is a non-refundable contribution of $350,000 to the Argentine treasury.
The second is the purchase of a special government bond worth $800,000, which will be issued specifically for program participants. The government has not yet published the detailed terms of this security.
The program allows for the inclusion of family members.
The spouse of the primary applicant, as well as unmarried and childless children between the ages of 18 and 25, will be eligible for citizenship subject to an additional contribution of $100,000 per person.
For a child under the age of 18, the additional contribution will be $25,000.
Thus, a family consisting of two adults and two minor children will be eligible for Argentine citizenship upon making a total non-refundable contribution of $500,000
. One of the program’s key features is that it grants citizenship itself, rather than a residence permit or permanent residency in exchange for investment.
The legal framework for the new program was established back in May 2025, when the government amended Argentina’s citizenship law and created a special Agency for Citizenship-by-Investment Programs. Its mission is to manage such programs and attract foreign capital.
However, it will not be possible to obtain a passport simply by transferring money. The government promises to conduct extensive background checks on applicants.
The origin of funds, the applicant’s financial transparency, and potential risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing will be scrutinized. The authorities state that due diligence procedures will comply with OECD and FATF recommendations. All investments must go through the official financial system.
Another important point for potential participants: the acceptance of applications had not yet begun at the time the program was announced.
The government has announced that the program is scheduled to launch during the fourth quarter of 2026. Therefore, until the final procedures, application forms, review deadlines, and investment bond parameters are published, it is premature to transfer funds or pay for the services of intermediaries who are already promising a guaranteed Argentine passport.
Argentine citizenship is of interest primarily as a tool for international mobility. The country’s passport provides extensive visa-free access, particularly to Schengen Zone countries, and Argentine citizenship opens up additional opportunities for residence and economic activity within South America thanks to the country’s integration into Mercosur.
Before the investment program was introduced, foreigners could obtain Argentine citizenship through the standard naturalization process. The new model creates a separate pathway for wealthy applicants willing to invest significant capital.
Argentina spent over a year preparing the program. In May 2025, a decree by President Javier Milei established the legal framework for obtaining citizenship through investment, and in April 2026, the leadership of a special government agency was appointed. The authorities first announced the official financial terms on October 2.
According to Relocation, Sierra Leone has expanded its citizenship program for foreign investors by adding two new options: expedited citizenship for $1 million and naturalization through residency in the country with investments starting at $90,000.
According to information from the Go-FOR-GOLD Sierra Leone program, the first new option provides for expedited citizenship upon payment of $1 million.
This option is aimed at high-net-worth applicants who need the fastest possible citizenship process. The program requires verification of the source of funds and the applicant’s good character.
The second route is significantly cheaper but requires the investor to have a genuine connection to the country. To participate, applicants must invest at least $90,000 in an approved business or enterprise in Sierra Leone.
Afterward, the applicant must reside in the country for at least 90 days per year for five years. Once these conditions are met, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization.
Thus, the minimum physical presence requirement over five years is 450 days.
These new options complement Sierra Leone’s existing investment citizenship program, launched under the Go-FOR-GOLD brand.
The basic investment track requires a non-refundable contribution of $140,000 for the principal applicant. An additional fee is required to include a spouse in the application, and separate fees apply for other dependents.
One of the program’s unique features is the ability for participants in the main investment track to obtain citizenship without having to reside permanently in Sierra Leone.
The country’s government positions Go-FOR-GOLD not only as a mechanism for attracting foreign investors but also as a tool for financing environmental and economic projects.
Sierra Leone has become one of the new entrants to the rapidly growing market for citizenship-by-investment programs. Such programs are most common in the Caribbean, where they are in place in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.
Official source: Go-FOR-GOLD Sierra Leone — the official citizenship program.
