More on visa policy

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