Maltese embassies and consulates have so far received 277 enquiries about the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), otherwise known as the citizenship scheme.

Answering a parliamentary question by Marthese Portelli (PN), Foreign Minister George Vella said the largest number of enquiries had come from Moscow, Paris, Rome, Istanbul and Dubai.

A month ago, The Sunday Times of Malta reported that an international pop singer, a prominent Gulf royal family, a South American footballer and an American press magnate were among those reported to be interested in applying for a Maltese passport.

According to the CEO of Henley and Partners, which is promoting the scheme, hundreds have expressed interest and some have put forward deposits.

That was before a one-year residency condition was introduced into the scheme following scathing criticism from the European Commission and European Parliament.

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