The United States and CARICOM signed a memorandum of understanding on the sharing of biometric data as part of a new regional security agreement aimed at improving identity checks and due diligence across the Caribbean.
Signed on 10 July 2026, the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CARICOM IMPACS establishes the first DHS biometric information-sharing arrangement with the Caribbean.
Under the agreement, participating authorities will be able to share biometric information to improve immigration vetting and border security, as well as background checks for individuals who may pose a national security threat.
The new framework also extends to the five existing countries that offer Caribbean citizenship programs, consolidating attempts to build compliance and protect the integrity of the programs internationally.
A Milestone for Caribbean Citizenship Programs
Over the past two years, these five countries have implemented major reforms: Greater due diligence, compulsory interviews for applicants, deeper regional cooperation, and the standardization of minimum investment amounts.
The partnership on data sharing with the US is another milestone in the ongoing process of modernizing Caribbean investment migration. How it works by sharing biometric information via automated queries between the United States and CARICOM member states, thereby enhancing border security and immigration vetting for both sides, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. The authorities anticipate that the system will be activated before the end of 2026.
Building Stronger Due Diligence
Citizenship programs in the Caribbean already perform rigorous background checks on applicants based on numerous international databases, as well as through independent due diligence providers.
This new agreement represents another step in the identity verification process, as biometric screening validates applicants’ credentials, making it harder for bad actors to conceal their identities or submit false documentation.
The initiative was viewed by CARICOM IMPACS’ executive director, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, as an important instrument for improving security, developed to secure the credibility of pipelines to invest in the Caribbean and obtain citizenship.
The organization also stated that the upcoming biometric capability is likely to bolster the future Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), which is being formed to develop harmonized regulatory standards for investment citizenship applications across member states.
Linked to Wider International Reforms
This announcement comes after pressure has mounted from international authorities. Then there is Presidential Proclamation 10998 from the United States, which was issued amid concerns that investment migration schemes may be abused as a means of identity cover or to evade immigration controls.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the biometric agreement is designed to strengthen vetting for applicants and address many of the security concerns raised in the proclamation. However, it also clarified that the accord does not lift the partial US Visa restrictions already in place against Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.
Elsewhere, the EU has also moved ahead with discussions on the future of visa free travel for states that run citizenship schemes.
Strengthening Confidence in Caribbean Citizenship
Governments have recognized this, and with investment migration continuing to mature, authorities are collaborating more closely with international partners to strengthen compliance and due diligence.
“The recent biometric enrollment requirement for obtaining a St Kitts and Nevis passport further highlighted that countries are prioritizing security over a simplified and quick procedure. Tools like biometric verification bolster confidence in Caribbean citizenship programs while ensuring they are some of the most secure and reputable investor migration options available.”
Joe Rice, Head of Citizenship Programs at Global Citizen Solutions
The most recent agreement represents a further evolution of Caribbean citizenship programs, with governments investing in stronger compliance frameworks and collaboration between border services.
With evolving due diligence expectations, jurisdictions that have joined show a strong commitment to maintaining reputable, globally competitive investment migration programs.