Good morning, global opportunists! 

The future is overall optimistic, don’t let the constant negativity/fear mongering from governments and media make you think otherwise! Welcome to the 9th article from The Sovereign Atlas! Every Friday we publish quick updates that benefit your global sovereignty lifestyle. 

Here’s what we’ve got this week:

• More Visa Waivers Planned For Thailand 🇹🇭

• These Are The Different Stages of CBDC Development Across the Globe 🌐

• Droit du Sol 🇫🇷

• New Zealand’s New AIP Program 🇳🇿

Let’s go!

UPDATE

Thailand's Tourism Boost: Visa-Free Travel Expansion

Thailand's government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is doubling down on its tourism strategy by extending visa-free travel to citizens of several more countries. This move follows the recent success of waiving visa requirements for China and India, key markets that have significantly propelled the tourism sector forward, a crucial pillar of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

A Surge in Visitors: The visa exemption for Chinese tourists has already shown substantial economic benefits, marking a promising trend that the government aims to replicate with other countries. Although specifics were not disclosed, the initiative's impact is evident, with Thailand witnessing a staggering 48% increase in foreign tourist arrivals, totaling 4.39 million from January 1 to February 11, compared to the previous year.

Looking Ahead: With tourism numbers on the rise, Thailand is optimistic about welcoming approximately 34-35 million international visitors this year, a notable increase from last year's 28 million.

UPDATE

This is Where CBDCs Are Planned

As the digital age continues to evolve, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are emerging as a groundbreaking development in the financial world. Countries across the globe are exploring and adopting CBDCs, signaling a significant shift towards digital finance.

These digital currencies, backed and issued by national central banks, supposedly promise to enhance payment efficiency, bolster financial inclusion, and reshape the global economic landscape. This is the complete opposite of that. CBDCs are the first major step in not just financial control, but every aspect of your life.

I’d advise keeping up with the rapidly changing CBDC landscape to understand where your target residency/citizenship countries are at in these stages. You can find detailed info of all countries here.

UPDATE

The 'Droit du Sol' Controversy

France finds itself at the heart of a heated debate over the principle of 'droit du sol' or birthright citizenship. Unlike the automatic citizenship by birth in the U.S., France's approach is more nuanced, offering citizenship to children born in France to foreign parents under specific conditions later in life, rather than at birth.

Between Tradition and Change: For children born in France to foreign parents, French nationality isn't a birthright but can be acquired between the ages of 13-18, given certain residency and consent requirements are met. This system is under scrutiny, with proposals aiming to restrict this pathway to citizenship, sparking a nationwide conversation on identity, equality, and the future of French nationality laws.

Mayotte: A Case Study in Complexity: The debate intensifies in Mayotte, a French territory where Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin proposes a "constitutional revision" to abolish 'droit du sol', aiming to address high immigration rates from the Comoros. This proposal, highlighting the unique challenges faced by France's overseas territories, has ignited controversy and discussions about the principles that underpin French citizenship.

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UPDATE

New Zealand: Active Investor Plus

New Zealand introduces the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, revolutionizing its approach to attracting global investors. Since September 2022, this visa has replaced the traditional Investor 1 and 2 visas, ushering in a new phase of investment migration tailored to meet the demands of the modern investor with a focus on high-value, high-reward asset classes.

Visa Features & Benefits: The AIP visa is designed to encourage investments into sectors with high growth potential, offering a flexible residence-by-investment pathway. With the support of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), investors are guided through the process, benefiting from a network of investment experts and a range of investment options that promise both financial returns and a chance to contribute to New Zealand's economy.

Investment with Purpose: Tailoring investments to fit the investor's interests, the AIP visa offers a unique weighting system that rewards investments in high-growth areas, significantly lowering the required investment amount for direct involvement in New Zealand's burgeoning sectors.

MARKET REVIEW OF THE WEEK

Dominican Republic 🇩🇴

As 2024 unfolds, the Dominican Republic's real estate sector continues to thrive, offering a mix of challenges and opportunities for investors and homeowners alike. The nation's economy, bolstered by tourism, agriculture, and services, provides a fertile ground for real estate development, particularly in tourist hotspots.

Investor's Paradise: The allure of the Dominican Republic for North American and European investors is undeniable, with the government rolling out the red carpet through incentives like tax exemptions and no restrictions on foreign property ownership. Key destinations like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata remain in high demand, offering luxurious villas and beachfront condos that promise a high return on investment.

Navigating the Market: Despite the allure, potential buyers must navigate the Dominican Republic's real estate market with caution. Regulatory improvements aim to simplify property transactions, but due diligence is paramount.

2024 and Beyond: Looking ahead, the Dominican Republic's real estate market is poised for growth, driven by its robust tourism sector and strategic Caribbean location. Yet, investors should remain vigilant of external economic conditions and natural disaster risks. With a positive economic outlook and continued government support, the real estate landscape in the Dominican Republic is ripe with opportunity for those ready to explore its potential.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Economics In One Lesson

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt is a foundational text that simplifies the principles of economics for the general reader. The core message of the book centers around the long-term effects of economic policies on all groups, rather than just the immediate effects on a specific group. Hazlitt emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of policies beyond their immediate impact, advocating for an analysis that looks at the overall economy rather than just a segment of it.

Hazlitt argues against common economic fallacies that often guide public policy. These fallacies typically involve short-term solutions that neglect long-term consequences, such as price controls, tariffs, and subsidies. By debunking these misconceptions, Hazlitt demonstrates how such policies can lead to inefficiencies and economic harm over time. He champions free-market principles, arguing that they lead to more efficient allocation of resources and greater wealth for society as a whole.

Hazlitt insists that by considering the long-term effects of economic actions and the unseen consequences of policies, better decisions can be made that will lead to a more prosperous and equitable society. Economics in One Lesson remains a timeless guide that offers clear insights into the complexities of economic policy and its impact on our lives.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

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