Sierra Leone Permanent Residency And Citizenship | A Whole New String To My Bow | GO-FOR-GOLD
Published: 1/Jan/2025
Source: Hong Kong Visa Geeza
Sierra Leone Permanent Residency And Citizenship
GO-FOR-GOLD
A New Way to Quickly & Very Cost-Effectively Secure Sierra Leone Permanent Residency And Citizenship
INTERVIEW: How to Design a Residency by Investment Program from Scratch: The Case of Sierra Leone
Jason Black (JB) the press representative of Hong Kong Visa Centre, interviews Stephen Barnes, a leading figure in the immigration sector in the HKSAR with over three decades of experience. Known as the “Hong Kong Visa Geeza,” Barnes shares his insights into the innovative GO-FOR-GOLD Residency and Citizenship by Investment Program, which he helped develop for Sierra Leone. This in-depth discussion explores the program’s inception, structure, and transformative potential for Sierra Leone’s economy and global appeal.
JB: Could you provide an overview of your background and experience in the immigration sector?
Stephen Barnes: My journey in the immigration field spans over 30 years. After graduating from law school in 1993, I launched my career as a Hong Kong immigration consultant, earning the nickname “Hong Kong Visa Geeza” for my innovative approach to navigating immigration complexities. Inspired by Seth Godin’s “Purple Cow” philosophy, my focus has been on creating standout immigration services.
This ethos underpins the GO-FOR-GOLD program, which embodies innovation and utility, balancing the needs of investors and government administrators alike.
Origins of the GO-FOR-GOLD Initiative
JB: How did the opportunity to develop a permanent residency and citizenship program for Sierra Leone arise?
Stephen Barnes: The collaboration was rooted in long-standing relationships with West African legal professionals, dating back to 2012 during Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. These connections introduced us to Sierra Leone, which sought a unique Residency by Investment (RBI) program aligned with its economic vision.
President Julius Maada Bio’s aspiration to position Sierra Leone as a regional trailblazer played a pivotal role. His vision encompassed leveraging natural resources to attract investment, diversify the economy, and solidify the nation’s reputation as a progressive and secure jurisdiction. Sierra Leone’s story – a thriving democracy with English as its lingua franca, a robust banking system, and significant human and natural resources -was compelling. However, to attract investment, the country needed an innovative, investor-friendly program that could reflect these qualities.
Read further: https://hongkongvisageeza.com/sierra-leone-permanent-residency-and-citizenship/