So it has finally come from the horse’s mouth!
According to the article published in Midday (Mumbai edition) on 28th July, 2018, Mehul Choksi has admitted to obtaining the citizenship of Antigua in order to expand his business.
https://www.mid-day.com/articles/took-citizenship-of-antigua-to-expand-business-mehul-choksi/19648168
Mr. Choksi further stated that there was no truth in the allegations levelled by the Indian government against him. He is allegedly involved in over $2-billion Punjab National Bank scam. Mr. Choksi claims he has taken Antigua citizenship last year to expand his business, as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported.
“I lawfully applied to be registered as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Program. During the course of my application, I did all that was lawfully required of me to do. My application for citizenship was in due course approved,” the statement published in the newspaper said.
Choksi had taken the citizenship of Antigua in November 2017, and oath of allegiance on January 15 this year. “My application was motivated by my desire to expand my business interest in the Caribbean and to obtain visa-free travel access to 130 or so countries,” the statement said, adding that he was in the United States in January 2018 for medical treatment. “Having received treatment I am still in a state convalescence. That being the case I have decided to reside in Antigua and Barbuda,” it read.
Many HNIs and businesspersons from India have started taking interest in the Citizenship & Residency programs of Caribbean countries because of the multiple reasons. The most important among then are:
- Visa free travel to over 130 countries around the world.
- Close proximity to the U.S. markets.
- High quality of life
- Quick processing of applications and direct citizenship (passport) through investment