Migration News of the Week: Once You Get a Passport — Guard It Carefully…

The past week brought fresh restrictions—and a few interesting offers. Türkiye plans to punish investors who manipulated prices and documents. Finland is showing a hard line too, deporting hundreds of migrants, including Russians. Oman, meanwhile, is trying to attract affluent foreigners.

Türkiye to revoke citizenship

Türkiye is conducting the largest investigation since its “citizenship by investment” program began. Authorities uncovered a large-scale scheme of sham real-estate transactions through which foreigners obtained Turkish passports illegally. Roughly 2,000 people—451 investors and their family members—will lose citizenship.

Investigators say participants arranged fake deals: properties were formally valued above the required threshold but were accompanied by debt obligations to return the asset to the seller after the passport was issued. More than 1,200 apartments, dozens of cars and land plots have been seized; over 100 people were arrested, including real-estate agents and intermediaries. Losses are estimated at about $180 million.
Experts note such schemes proliferated after the investment threshold was cut to $250,000 in 2018. Some brokers allegedly returned part of the funds in cash, while banks controlled the property valuations.

The probe coincides with a sharp drop in foreign demand for Turkish housing. Sales peaked at 67,490 in 2022, fell to 35,005 in 2023 and to 23,781 in 2024. In January–August 2025, sales dropped another 47% to 8,945. Foreign buyers’ share sank to 1.1%. Analysts cite tighter rules for non-residents, higher investment thresholds and lower yields. Earthquake fallout and high seismic risk add to market concerns.

Oman invites investors and retirees

Oman has launched a “Golden Residency” program for investors and retirees, offering five- and ten-year visas. The goal is to attract capital, stimulate business and reduce reliance on oil.

A 10-year visa requires investments from OMR 500,000 (~$1.3m); a 5-year visa—from OMR 250,000 (~$650k). Retirees can qualify without investment if their monthly income is at least OMR 4,000 (~$10,400).

Authorities are rolling out digital business registration and support programs for local companies to streamline processes and boost the country’s investment appeal.

Like other Gulf states, Oman is pursuing economic diversification: by 2030 it plans to cut the share of oil revenues by 15%. The country ranks 11th globally for expat quality of life, but from 2025 foreigners are barred from a number of managerial and technical jobs. From 2028, a 5% income tax will apply to income above OMR 42,000 (~$109,000), which may temper long-term interest from wealthy residents.

Finland deports Russians

Finland halted interviews for Russian applicants after the war in Ukraine began and only resumed them in late 2024. Around 90% of decisions have been negative. From January to September 2025, Finland deported 104 Russian citizens. Those refusing voluntary departure are escorted under guard—to Türkiye or Estonia.

Most rejections target people fleeing mobilization: authorities consider mobilization “over,” even without an official decree. Military service alone is generally not grounds for asylum in Europe. Positive outcomes are more likely for those who prove a real risk of persecution—activists, participants in anti-war actions, LGBTQ+ applicants and service members who publicly denounced the war.
Finland’s Interior Ministry extended until end-2026 the law barring asylum applications at the Russian border. Some 35 km of fence have been built; about 200 km are planned.

Tighter policies also affect other nationalities. Asylum applications fell 45% in 2024 to 2,948. In H1 2025, Finland deported over 1,350 people—32% more year-on-year. Most were citizens of Estonia and Romania.

Best cities to live in 2025

Beyond immigration programs, city rankings help identify places for a safe, cultured and happy life. Economist Intelligence Unit assessed 173 cities. Copenhagen tops the list with 98/100. Vienna and Zurich share second place after a small dip in Vienna’s stability score.

Western Europe strengthened its lead: eight cities are in the top-20, including Geneva, praised for healthcare and social environment. In Asia-Pacific, Melbourne ranks fourth. Dhaka and Damascus sit at the bottom. In North America, Honolulu leads (23rd globally). Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Seattle also stand out, but the U.S. overall is hampered by crime and social instability.

The global average score stayed at 76.1, while “stability” declined amid terror threats and protest activity, especially in Europe. Conditions are improving in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are rapidly expanding infrastructure and social services.
The report’s key message: comfort today is defined less by wealth than by resilience. Cities investing in safety, healthcare and education are increasingly attractive to migrants and investors—and set the new standard for quality of life.