Visa restrictions 'should be eased' for developing countries

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Created on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 13:43

Written by Editorial staff

Restrictions on migration visas for people originating from developing countries need to be relaxed, the UN World Tourism Organisation's secretary-general has suggested.

Taleb Rifai explained to a tourism conference in Melbourne that the current system is "becoming a real nightmare" and that certain industries could be at a disadvantage because of it.

For example, the tourism sector is likely to struggle as entry conditions make it very difficult for people to get the paperwork they need to holiday in Australia.

This is especially the case for residents of China and India, and although visitor numbers have been rising, they still face a large number of bureaucratic obstacles.

They are often required to provide bank statements and financial information on their first trip to Australia, as well as a letter from their employer stating their position and salary.

Evidence of how long they have been employed for and approval of leave may also be demanded by immigration officials.

The situation is not much easier for those visiting friends and relatives, as they can be asked to provide a letter of invitation from the people they are staying with.

The Sponsored Family Visitor visa (Subclass 679) is one option available to those who want to visit their family.

Assurances must be given by the sponsor that their visitor will depart Australia before their visa expires - this may be after three, six or 12 months, depending on the nature of the visa granted.

According to The Australian, Mr Rifai told delegates: "It is not reasonable to still see long lines, very cumbersome, uneasy, complicated, lengthy, overpriced entry formalities all over the world, particularly facing nationals from countries that are rising and countries that are providing the base for future incoming tourists."

He expressed concern that too much emphasis is being placed on the connection between visas and security issues - a connection that is yet to be proved.

One of the main reasons Australia is often seen as a no-go area for tourists is the strength of the dollar, which often makes it an expensive choice.

However, Mr Rifai noted that some of the world's popular destinations are among the most expensive, leading him to say that cost should "not be too much of an obsession".

"The cost is not the major factor here, it's the ease of reaching here, cost of travel and cost and complications of entry," added the secretary-general.