African countries should review visa policies

Editor, RE: “African visa policies hurting continent’s growth – experts” (The New Times, May 20). It is without any doubt that any country, be it in Africa or for that matter in any part of the world, which is serious about enhancing trade, tourism and investments, must necessarily first put in place an efficient visa policy. Rwanda’s most friendly and efficient visa policies definitely give the country the cutting edge. As the AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina very rightly remarked, “the complexities and challenges for African passport holders to travel across the continent was part of the factors for low levels of intra-Africa trade.” Rwanda does have a visa on arrival policy. Though, travelling from India, it is necessary to first apply online, and obtain a visa acceptance letter prior to travel, Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration does always ensure that this online procedure is never an impediment and the visa acceptance letter is invariably sent to one’s inbox well in time. What African countries must really and seriously look at is more competitive air fares for travel within the continent. High air fares within Africa, in my opinion, are hurting the continent’s growth. Competitive air fare pricing, coupled with the ease of obtaining visas, will enable Africa to benefit from both travels between its countries while at the same time get a fare share of business from other continents. Clarence Fernandes

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African countries should review visa policies