Visa system far from perfect

Visa system far from perfect

This is in response to Mark Ogilvie's letter published in The
Jakarta Post on May 10, 1999.

Mark Ogilvie is unfortunately experiencing the same problem as
many people around the world. Obtaining a visa to Australia has
become a difficult and time-consuming task for those trying to
enter from countries experiencing, or about to experience,
conflict.

The letters of rejection received are standard fare from our
embassies around the world. They are particularly frustrating
when they state "lack of funds" or some other reason that is
clearly wrong.

As agents we are continually faced with the same problems as
Mark Ogilvie and his fiancee, only on a larger scale. Mr. Ogilvie
does not say when he first applied or how long he has known his
fiancee -- but both would have been key factors in his
application.

Having been through the migration section of the embassy on a
couple of occasions I can attest to the volume of applications
waiting to be processed. Even for the largest embassy, assessing
thousands of applications a week places a great strain on staff,
both local and Australian. A drive past our embassy on any given
day will see hundreds of people waiting on visas. I doubt if
Superman could process them quicker. Short-term applicants suffer
because of the risk of overstay. There are many who try to "jump
the queue" by lodging permanent applications onshore rather than
in the applicant's country of origin. This is a case of the "sins
of the fathers being visited upon the sons". All applications are
scrutinized because of the record of previous visitors.

Those wishing to obtain a visa should remember that lack of
time and documentation are nearly always the culprits where visas
are concerned.

Australia's visa system is far from perfect and, in our point
of view, could do with a major procedures overhaul. Having
recently been through the process of obtaining visas for Eastern
Europe I can say it is something we share in common with many
countries.

However, changing procedures is something that is initiated by
politicians, not embassy staff. The integrity remark slung by Mr.
Ogilvie will be particularly hurtful to embassy staff who, from
my observation, work extremely hard and will be prevented from
replying (no, I won't be getting any applications processed
quicker). While we can certainly identify with Mr. Ogilvie's
situation, we should remember that no one wins when we shoot the
messenger.

PETER LOUGHTON

Immigration & Visa

Advisory Services

Joondalup, Western Australia