More on visa policy

How on earth is John Hargreaves so certain that the government's proposal to abolish visa free entry for most foreign tourists will deter them, as he states in his letter published in The Jakarta Post, Oct. 16, entitled New visa policy needs explaining), and thus deprive many people of employment while only serving to enrich the government.

As far as I know, no one has ever conducted a survey on this. I think foreigners in this country (I am a foreigner too) who want to express well-meaning criticism should be able to back up their statements. I, for one, am not convinced. I believe if such a survey were carried out, it is possible it could turn out to be the case that tourists will not be deterred by the visa policy but will rather give more weight to other considerations, like safety, etc.

The government stands to gain substantial revenues. It could then concentrate on improving the country's many tourist attractions and security. Anyone who has applied for a visa at the Australian Embassy knows that a fee is charged and the money is non-refundable if the application is rejected.

As far as I know, nobody has ever given any rational explanation for such a terrible visa fee policy. To quote Hargreaves, could we say, for example, "that they hate foreigners...", but then I am sure only Hargreaves would say that's a rational explanation.

JEMRO SANGIN Jakarta