Comoros Explanation Of Economic Citizenship

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000246

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/FO AND AF/E
DEPT FOR EB AND DRL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM EINV PREL PGOV CN
SUBJECT: Comoros Explanation Of Economic Citizenship


1. (U) SUMMARY: The Government of the Union of the Comoros provided
the Embassy with an official explanation of the implementation of
its new "economic citizenship" law. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) Upon our request, the GOC provided an official explanation of
how the "economic citizenship" law is being implemented. Applicants
are required to submit a file to a Comoran diplomatic mission
including: birth certificate, health certificate no older than
three months, judicial file no older than three months, and a
marriage certificate (if married). The file is passed to Comoran
Director of National Security (InterPol liaison) for a security
check, before passing on to the Ministry of Justice, where the case
is reviewed before being given to Immigration Service to issue the
passport. To issue the passport, the GOC requires a piece of
identity from the applicant, as well as photos, fingerprints and
signature which are entered in a database. In discussing with
Comoros Officer, FM Jaffar said the GOC would be "vigilant" in
vetting applicants, adding that a commission would make policy not
listed in the letter, including about investment requirements and
fees.


3. (U) The letter of response also lists several conditions that
applicants must meet:

-- Not be a member of a terrorist organization or support principles
contrary to Sunni Islam;

-- Not present a threat to the security, peace, social cohesion of
Comoran society or identify with religious extremism to the
detriment of public order;

-- To be "fully integrated in the social and demographic fabric of
his/her country of origin;"

-- Be of good morals;

-- Not be convicted of a crime or misdemeanor against state
security, theft, fraud, abuse of confidence, extortion, forgery,
crimes against people or immorality;

-- to be known of healthy spirit.


4. (U) Persons acquiring economic citizenship cannot serve in the
Comoran military or judiciary, nor can they vote.


5. (SBU) COMMENT: The glaring omission in this GOC explanation is
any reference to money. Supposedly this "economic citizenship" is
to reassure would-be investors, but if this list of requirements
were complete, it should include a minimum investment requirement.
President Sambi and other GOC officials have publicly stated that
this law will bring "USD 200 million to the Comoros." International
media have reported - without any compelling evidence - that Gulf
countries have paid the GOC "millions" in return for granting
passports to stateless "bidoons." On the other hand, the GOC has
long told us that their new law was intended to turn the Comoros
into a haven for foreign investment a la the Cayman Islands, not/not
to attract unwanted persons from the Gulf or anywhere else. Having
heard their benign explanations again, the proof will be in the
pudding. END COMMENT.

MARQUARDT