The allure of golden passports for the ultrarich.
Wealthy individuals are collecting multiple citizenships, often referred to as "golden passports," which can be a status symbol and provide an escape route if needed. These passports are obtained through citizenship-by-investment programs, which require a significant investment in a nation, and are offered by about 22 countries. Malta, Austria, and Turkey are among the popular countries offering these programs. Critics argue that these programs pose a security risk and can be used by criminals to evade prosecution.