DAILY POSTCARD | SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026 |
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Dear International Living reader, As turmoil in the Persian Gulf reshapes the global landscape, a new opportunity is emerging in the southern hemisphere. From Argentina and Botswana to the growing appeal of South Africa, people are beginning to look south for safety, value, and freedom. Our Global Diversification Expert, Ted Baumann says this shift could redefine where Americans look next for their newest safe haven… | P.S. "Each morning, I wake up and take a look at US news, and it confirms why I'm so much more at peace living [here], away from the politics, inflation, and outrageous housing prices...," says Donna S. Click here to learn more about International Living's safe, secret hideaways. |
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| Last week I had coffee with an acquaintance who, like me, is a dual citizen of the United States and South Africa. Also like me, he works in "global migration"—as an associate at Canada's Arton Capital, one of the largest investment migration consultancies in the world. |
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Naturally, we talked shop… and out of that conversation came the first indications of a massive change in where people are looking for new homes around the world. Arton, he told me, had won the bidding war to become the official agency for Argentina's new citizenship by investment (CBI) program. They had also designed Botswana's new CBI program, scheduled to launch later this quarter at the lowest price point of any respectable CBI offering in the world. Then we got talking about the war in the Persian Gulf. Neither of us are fans of the residency programs there. He said Arton was receiving inquiries from people who had been considering moving to the Gulf, asking about alternatives. Despite its geopolitical location, the Gulf was supposed to be "safe." Clearly, however, as recent events have shown, that wasn't the case. Where else, well-heeled migrants wanted to know, could they go for something similar? There isn't an obvious alternative right now. The Gulf monarchies have spent four decades cultivating a haven for the world's rich and footloose. A combination of low or no taxes and attractive residency options had made the Gulf one of the world's premier investment and top-end residency destinations. But as missiles crisscross the sky above them, people are fleeing the sinking ship. "The Southern Hemisphere, clearly, is poised to benefit," he said. "That's why Arton bid aggressively for the Argentina contract. That's why we grabbed the opportunity to work with Botswana. And that's why we're scouting for other possibilities south of the equator. The old order is changing, and we want to be ahead of the pack finding new opportunities to replace it." "Well, what about this country?" I asked. "We're far from potential conflict zones, the cost of living is low, we're English speaking, and it's gorgeous. We've got a sensible and professional Ministry of Home Affairs for the first time in 30 years. Shouldn't we be trying to create opportunities for people here as well?" As it turns out, that's precisely why he wanted to meet. He's down here on a scouting trip, personally and professionally. He was considering moving back to Cape Town, to get away from Montreal's cold winters. He'd been in contact with a couple of local groups organizing tours for potential immigrants. What did I think of the migration possibilities in South Africa? |
Twelve Apostles mountain in Camps Bay near Cape Town: Experts say that the safest places in the world in the event of a serious global conflict are southern South America, Southern Africa, and Australasia. Discover more here. |
"It's funny you should ask," I said. "For the last couple of months, I've had people ask that question once I've explained the increasing difficulty of getting residency in Europe. I've started including it on the menu of options I present to my consultation clients. Some of them are taking it seriously enough to plan exploratory trips." My friend said he had meetings scheduled with people close to our department of Home Affairs about the possibility of a "golden visa" for South Africa. If Botswana was selling passports, and Namibia was granting permanent residency to people buying homes on the coast, why couldn't we become part of that? Indeed. After all, experts say that the safest places in the world in the event of a serious global conflict are southern South America, Southern Africa, and Australasia. My news feed has been crowded with stories of a dramatic spike in Americans seeking New Zealand residency by investment. People who once thought it was too far away are reconsidering Uruguay. 75% of the expressions of interest received when Botswana announced its forthcoming program came from Americans. The countries most likely to attract people are democracies that offer stability, freedom, and long-term peace of mind. Their distance from major global flashpoints can be a real advantage for those seeking security and breathing room. While they may not compete on tax avoidance or nonstop commercial intensity, they offer something many people now value more: safety, openness, and the freedom to live as they choose. For anyone looking for a safe haven or a reliable bolthole, these are places well worth considering. |
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Editor's Note: Whether you love the idea of a little part-time getaway you could decamp to when you need to recharge and refresh... or you're in the market for a full-time escape... you have excellent options today... I'd like to help you find a safe, off-the-radar spot on the planet that speaks to you. Details here—with a very special offer that ends tomorrow. |
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Have you seen the headlines? Countries around the world are making it more challenging to get a visa or citizenship. Let me show you how to act now, while doors are still open, and you could get a 2nd passport in as little as 3 months. |
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