St. John’s, Antigua; Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016: After careful and deliberate assessment of the country’s CIP law, regulation, policy statements and rigorous due diligence process, The Investment Migration Council (IMC) on Monday, invited Antigua and Barbuda to become an Observer Country Member.

Thomas Anthony, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), says this approval will help raise the nation’s international profile and place us on the same level with countries like Malta.

According to information posted on the Council’s website, www.investmentmigration.org, the IMC is recognized as The Worldwide Association for Investor Immigration and Citizenship-by-Investment. The body sets the standards on a global level and interacts with other professional associations, governments and international organizations in relation to investment migration. The IMC helps to improve public understanding of the issues faced by clients and governments and promotes education and high professional standards among its members.

As an IMC member, Antigua and Barbuda will benefit from professional development, networking opportunities and information services provided by the association, all of which enhances business, promotes professionalism and high ethical standards.

The association’s Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all its members include: Integrity and Ethical Practice, Competence, Confidentiality, Regulatory Compliance and Disciplinary Rules and Procedures.

Anthony says that the Unit’s vision and that of this leading global investment-related migration association are aligned, since the aim of both entities is to, “raise the standard of the Citizenship by Investment and Residence industry through a rigid insistence on transparency, good governance and adherence to international best practice professional ethics.”

In a letter to the CIU, IMC Commercial Relations Manager, Krista Spiteri, welcomed the Unit on board and said she looks forward to “exciting times ahead.”

Anthony says the Unit is already poised to capitalize on the upcoming Investment Migration Forum, slated for June, 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. This industry event will bring together leading stakeholders in Investor Immigration and Citizenship-by-Investment and presents an opportunity to network with the right people in the industry.