NICOSIA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Cypriot parliament on Thursday passed a law removing the cabinet's authority to grant citizenship to foreign investors, further tightening control after the country's former "golden passports" scheme was abolished in 2020.
The new law repeals remaining provisions that had allowed the cabinet to approve naturalization or award honorary citizenships. Officials say the move aims to address EU infringement proceedings triggered by the investment-linked program.
During the debate, lawmakers disagreed over the scope of the changes. Akel lawmaker Aristos Damianou said the reform came under EU pressure, adding that while it closes the chapter on "golden passports," it also prevents the government from granting honorary citizenship in special cases.
He noted that 7,329 people acquired Cypriot citizenship under the scheme, which he said caused long-lasting damage despite economic gains. ■