18h30 IMC Field Officers Meeting & IM Communities of Practise Meeting

19h00 Forum Partners Reception

Clap Restaurant

Private by invitation-only

12h00 CEO’s Brunch

Beach Lounge Brunch at the One & Only Resort open to C-suite executives & founders

Registration & separate payment required

14h00 Welcome & Registration  

The Ritz-Carlton DIFC Conference Centre

18h00 - 19h30 Welcome to Dubai Reception Supported by Mercan Group (Included in delegate pass)

Welcome to Dubai! by Anya Sitaram, Forum Chair

Welcome by Mercan Group

20h30 IMC Fellows Dinner

Clap Restaurant   

Private by invitation-only

08h00 Welcome Coffee & Registration

08h45 Opening Address by Anya Sitaram, Forum Chair                    

09h00 IMC Town Hall Panel: Insights from this year’s Forum Do Not Miss

In this opening panel, we will touch upon the most poignant developments that have taken place in IM this past year and hear from selected speakers of this year’s Forum.

Bruno L’ecuyer FIMC, CEO, Investment Migration Council, Switzerland

Andres Solimano FIMC, Chief Economist, Investment Migration Council, Chile

Dimitry Kochenov, Head of Rule of Law Research, CEU Democracy Institute, Hungary

Lisa Chanesman IMCM, Founding Chair, IM CoP, UAE

Jeffery Hadeed IMCM, Chairman, Citizenship by Investment Unit, Antigua & Barbuda

Yolany Alvarado, CEO, ProPanama, Panama

09h45 Fireside with Dubai Economy & Tourism Department, Government of Dubai Do Not Miss

James C. Johnston OBE, CEO, TranscendChange, Scotland

Sahia Sajjad Ahmad, CEO – Regulatory Policy and Governance, Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, UAE

10h05 Future Scenarios for the Global Economy in the Year Ahead

The main developments of the world economy will be covered highlighting progress in the reduction of inflation and the resumption of growth in a context of rising asset prices in a setting more optimistic than 2023. Challenges such as climate change, the persistence of geopolitical tensions, war and A.I will be addressed.

Anya Sitaram, Forum Chair

Andres Solimano FIMC, Chief Economist, Investment Migration Council, Chile

10h25 Rethinking RBI and Its Implications on Gulf Labor Migration & UN SDGs

This presentation explores the broader impact of RBI on labour migration dynamics, explicitly focusing on the Gulf states’ UN SDGs via the UAE case study.

Froilan Malit Jr, Visiting Scholar American University, Dubai & Senior Research Associate, Gulf Labour Markets & Migration think tank, UAE

10h45 Refreshments Served in the Expo Foyer (Included in delegate pass)

Supported by RIF Trust

11h15 Empowering Global Investors with Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship and UAE Residency

Prime Developments offers a secure dual-pathway investment through its Golden Package—combining Saint Kitts & Nevis citizenship with a 10-year UAE Golden Visa. This government-approved Public Benefit Option ensures enhanced global mobility, long-term residency, and impactful contributions to Caribbean cultural and educational development, providing lasting value for discerning global investors

Sepehr Montevassel, Chief Operating Officer, Prime Developments, UAE & St Kitts

11h30 Unlocking Global Opportunities: Tisoro Global’s Vision for Ethical Investment Migration

Unlocking global opportunities through ethical investment migration is an increasingly important topic of conversation between investors and countries operating IM pathways. With PAIRS AI, ARCS, CIMA, and E.L.I.T.E. partnership programs, the opportunities empower clients, supports governments, and fosters a borderless future—blending innovation, trust, and strategic collaboration across continents.

Muhammad Adnan Shoukat IMCM, CEO, Tisoro Global Investment, UAE

11h45 Launch of IM Intelligence Hub  Do Not Miss

Join us as we unveil the IM Intelligence Hub, a groundbreaking initiative in due diligence services. Discover how cutting-edge AI technology can transform risk management and compliance, fostering trust and efficiency in investment migration. This launch marks a pivotal moment in ethical global market participation.

Dario Aquilina, Head, Business & Digital Services, Investment Migration Council, Switzerland

Karen Kelly FIMC, VP & Global Head of Investment Migration, Exiger, Canada

12h05 Launch of the Investment Migration Community of Practice (IM CoP) Do Not Miss

This panel will explore how the Investment Migration Community of Practice (IM CoP) will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and set industry standards in the investment migration sector. Panellists will discuss the power of collective expertise in shaping the future of the profession, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and ensuring ethical practices.

Lisa Chanesman IMCM, Founding Chair, IM CoP, UAE

12h20 The Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2025

As 2025 begins, employers face intensified challenges in the immigration and mobility space, made more complex after a year of political change and increased conflict in many regions. This report analyses the most critical of these challenges and provides global employers with actionable solutions, drawing on Fragomen’s unparalleled expertise and direct engagement in over 170 countries.

Nadine Goldfoot FIMC, IMC Governing Board Member, Partner, Fragomen, UK

Parisa Karaahmet, Partner, Fragomen, USA

12h35 Dissecting the EU vs Malta Case: Where to next?

This session lead by former IMC Chair & EU Citizenship law Professor Dimitry Kochenov will evaluate the European Commission’s case against EU Member State Malta which headed to the European Courts one year ago. At the time of publishing this programme no decision has been made by the courts.

Dimitry Kochenov, Head of Rule of Law Research, CEU Democracy Institute, Hungary

Guillermo Íñiguez, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford

13h00 Book Signing in Plenary: Investment Migration in Europe and the World, Current Issues

Co-edited by Dimitry Kochenov, Madeleine Sumption and Martijn van den Brink, Hart Publishing, Oxford.

Dimitry Kochenov, Head of Rule of Law Research, CEU Democracy Institute, Hungary

13h00 Lunch Served in Expo Foyer (Included in delegate pass)

14h00 Unlocking EB-5: How Financing, Policy Shifts, and Global Demand Are Reshaping EB-5

In a world facing tightening immigration pathways and economic uncertainty, this keynote explores how the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is evolving to meet global demand. From visa retrogression risk to innovative financing structures like staggered investment and loan programs, we unpack what’s next for investors—and what it takes to act now.

Akshat Gupta, Vice President of Business Development, US Immigration Fund, USA

14h15 Fireside: H.E. Eduardo Arango Pérez, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries, Republic of Panama

Hosted by Bruno L’ecuyer, CEO, Investment Migration Council, Switzerland

14h30 Focus on Panama: Latest Developments in IM

This session will explore the latest developments in Investment Migration (IM) in Panama, focusing on how migration and investment contribute to sustainable economic growth and reducing inequalities. Experts will discuss the legal, economic, and social frameworks surrounding IM, as well as the opportunities and challenges in this growing sector.

Mehdi Kadiri IMCM, Executive Vice President, Mercan Group, Portugal

H.E. Eduardo Arango Pérez, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries, Republic of Panama

Yolany Alvarado, CEO, ProPanama, Panama

Marcos Kraemer, Founder and CEO, Kraemer & Kraemer Law Firm, Panama

15h00 USA Immigration Panel

This panel will explore the latest trends and policy changes in U.S. immigration, with a focus on investment migration. Panellists will discuss legal updates, compliance challenges, and the evolving role of the U.S. in global mobility.

Ronald Klasko FIMC, Chairman, Klasko Immigration Partners, USA

Natalia Pronina, Vice President, EB-5 Capital, USA.

Chad Ellsworth IMCM, Partner, Fragomen, USA
Abteen Vaziri IMCM, President, Uptown Companies Inc., USA

Irina Rostova FIMC, Managing Director, EB-5 Support

Nicholas Mastroianni III, President and Chief Marketing, US Immigration Fund, USA

15h30 Refreshments Served in the Expo Foyer (Included in delegate pass)

Supported by IM Intelligence Hub

16h00 Government Roundtable: Opportunities and Challenges ahead in IM

This important distinguished panel will address the many differing political risks, challenges and complexities countries face in today’s global landscape. Delegates can expect an in-depth discussion and the time to put forward their questions and comments.

Aimee Lisle IMCM, Director of CBI and DD Programmes, Harod Associates Limited, UK

Edward Clark IMCM, CEO, Nauru Programme Office, Republic of Nauru

Jonathan Cardona IMCM, CEO, Residency Malta Agency, Republic of Malta

Thomas Anthony FIMC, CEO, Investment Migration Agency, Grenada

 Jeffery Hadeed IMCM, Chairman, Citizenship by Investment Unit, Antigua & Barbuda

H.E. Calvin St. Juste, Executive Chairman, St Kitts & Nevis CIU, St. Kitts & Nevis

16h30 Fireside: H.E David Adeang, President, Republic of Nauru Do Not Miss

Hosted by H. Ron Klasko, Board Member Investment Migration Council, Switzerland

16h50 The Value of Global Reach in Due Diligence Investigations

This session will explore how a global reach in due diligence is vital in investment migration, ensuring transparency, mitigating risks, and strengthening institutions to foster trust and compliance across borders

Fabienne de Blois IMCM, Director, Control Risks, UK

Lyndee Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, VCheck Global, USA

Dilan Raphiann IMCM, Director, S-RM, UK

Alejandra Jimenez, Managing Director, Hilton Global Associates, USA

17h20 Closing remarks by Forum Chair followed by Drinks Reception in Exhibition Foyer (Included in delegate pass)

Supported by Saratoga Capital

18h45 End of Day 3          

20h30 IMCET Alumni Dinner

Private by invitation-only

08h30 Welcome Coffee & Registration

08h45 Opening Address by Anya Sitaram, Forum Chairperson

09h00 Global RCBI Briefing

Investment Migration has been put on the fast track for reinvention, propelled in no small part by the increased pressure of international bodies to reform many of its practices. This panel of global leaders will share their insights with the aim to inform delegates on current trends and what the future may hold.

Ray de Bono, Editor-in-Chief, IMGW.news

Asia: Henry Fan IMCM, CEO, GlobeVisa, Hong Kong SAR

Middle East: Sepehr Motevassel, COO, Prime Development, UAE/St Kitts

Mediterranean Europe: Ali Fouladi, Co-Founder & Managing Director, iLand, Greece

Atlantic Europe: Guilherme Valadares Carreiro, Partner, OXY Capital, Portugal

UK: Isobel Neilson, Director. Fragomen, UK

USA: Kerry Ann Sullivan, Hilton Global Associates, USA

Caribbean: Richard Nixon IMCM, Managing Director, Hideaway True Blue Inc., Grenada

09h30 Search for Eligible Funds under the Portuguese RBI Pathway

Explore Golden Visa-eligible fund strategies—private equity, venture capital, public equities, bonds, and more—in a complex investment landscape. This presentation highlights the unique advantages of each approach, from flexible exits to income-focused and return-driven options.

Guilherme Valadares Carreiro, Partner, Oxy Capital, Portugal

09h45 European Residency & Citizenship in Turbulent Times: A Haven or Not?

With Russia not in a hurry to end their invasion of Ukraine, and the EU announcing unprecedented defence spending added to of conscription rumours; is the EU remaining attractive to RCBI investors?

Tiago Gali Macedo, Managing Partner, NEXTGALI Advocates, Portugal

Christos Th. Vardikos, Attorney, Vardikos & Vardikos, Consul, of Dominica, Greece     

Jerry Morgan, President, Mercan Group, Portugal

Vasilis Leivadas, Head of Business Development, Lux & Easy, Greece

10h15 Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence & IM

This panel will explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming investment migration through smarter due diligence, enhanced compliance, and personalized client solutions—shaping a more secure, efficient, and forward-looking industry.              

Russell Scarcella FIMC, VP, Exiger, USA

Calvin S. Mazlumyan, Managing Director, Plan B Outbound Migration, USA

Nofisatu Mojidi IMCM, Senior Manager, Fragomen, UK

Petar Markov, CEO, Bulgaria AIF - Fund , Bulgaria

Emanuel Guilherme Louro da Silva, CEO,  IM Gestao de Ativos, Portugal

10h45 Refreshments Served in the Expo Foyer (Included in delegate pass)

Supported by IM Intelligence Hub

11h15 Real Estate Tokenisation and the Italian Investor Visa

This keynote explores how real estate tokenization is reshaping investment migration, with a spotlight on Italy’s Investor Visa. Discover how blockchain technology enables fractional ownership, increases accessibility, and aligns with Italy’s push for foreign direct investment—offering new pathways for global investors to engage with Southern Europe’s property market.

Krista Victorio IMCM, Partner at Benrock Capital, Spain

11h30 Caribbean Citizenship coupled by a European Residency. Is this the ultimate combination for best value?

Recent developments on the Caribbean CBI and European RBI, their possible combination, the opportunities and the challenges.

Christos Th. Vardikos IMCM, Attorney, Vardikos & Vardikos, Consul, of Dominica, Greece     

11h45 Update on the Nauru IM Pathway

The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program is an initiative that allows investors to support a climate resilience and sustainable development framework in one of the world’s smallest island nations.

Edward Clark IMCM, CEO, Nauru Programme Office, New Zealand

12h15 Lunch Served in the Expo Foyer (Included in delegate pass)

13h15 The All-Mighty Asian Market: Incoming vs Outgoing

This session explores Asia’s growing role in investment migration—both as a major source of investors and an emerging destination. Speakers will examine outbound trends from Asia, the factors driving inbound interest, and how these flows are reshaping global mobility, economic opportunity, and development.

David Chen FIMC, IMC Governing Board Member, Founder, Visas Consulting Group, China

Jennifer Wing Tsang Lai FIMC, Founder & CEO, ECIS Advisory, Hong Kong

13h45 Special Address: Government of St. Christopher & Nevis

H.E Calvin St. Juste, Chairman, St. Kitts & Nevis CIU

14h00 Looking ahead: Predictions for IM in the Next Decade

This panel will assess the current geopolitical environment coupled with global mobility indicators and changing market conditions and provide thought leadership to the billion-dollar question: where to next for my business?

Dominic Volek FIMC, Member of the Executive Committee, Henley & Partners, Singapore

Muhammad Adnan Shoukat IMCM, CEO, Tisoro Global Investment, UAE

Karen Kelly FIMC, Vice President & Global Head of Investment Migration, Exiger, Canada

Oriol Molas IMCM, Managing Partner, Orience, Spain

Federica Fermo, Head of Italian Product, Benrock Capital, Italy

14h30 Embracing the New Geopolitical Uncertainty Do Not Miss

Like all disruptions, shifting geopolitical environments present new hazards, can we pivot and capitalise on this new environment?

James Johnston OBE, CEO, Transcend Change, Scotland

14h45 Asia Rising: From "Exit strategy" to "Global Vision”

In this keynote, we will build on last year's deep-dive into Asian migration trends and offer a bold, forward-looking view: Asia is not just sending its people abroad — it's shaping the very future of global mobility.

Henry Fan IMCM, CEO, GlobeVisa, Hong Kong SAR

15h00 The EU Anti Money Laundering Authority & EU Visa Regulations    Do Not Miss

This session will delve into the changes taking place at EU level in two parts: (1) explaining the new AMLA structure and impact on IM, (2) amendments to EU visa regulations that could impact countries offering citizenship by investment.

Tomas Dimitrov, Founder and Director, FortEU, Belgium

15h15 Partner Thank You Award Do Not Miss

Prize draw & Closing Remarks by Forum Chair Do Not Miss

17h00 Departure from Ritz-Carlton DIFC to Sonara Camp for Closing Dinner (Dress Code: Desert Elegance (ivory, beige, taupe). We recommend tailored shorts, loose trousers and shirts, flowing dresses and sandals.)

18h00 Arrival at Sonara Desert Camp

18h30 Welcome Drinks followed by 3-Course Dinner Show (Included in delegate pass)

22h00 Departures begin back to Ritz-Carlton DIFC

23h00 End of Investment Migration Forum 2025

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