Hike in Canadian visa fees
published: Thursday | July 17, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WAS appalled to read of the recent hike in fees for Canadian visas, effective Monday, July 14.
A recent Gleaner article reported: "For persons wishing to pay in Jamaican dollars the new fees are $3,300 for single entry, $6,600 for multiple entry visa applications and $17,600 for a family of three or more. It will now cost US$55 for single entry, US$110 for multiple entry visa applications and US$292 for a family of three or more. The Canadian dollar fee, which must be an exact amount, remains unchanged. Processing fees are non-refundable."
While it is every country's prerogative to charge what it feels is necessary to process visa applications, it is about time that our Government stand up for its people, and give a voice or at least an opinion on the matter. Not only are the fees (like the US and British visas) astronomical in US$, but they are non-refundable, (in the event that the visa application is refused). Are we as a people just going to sit back and allow others to step all over us in this manner, without any form of protest? Let's not forget that for decades, visas were issued by these countries free of any charge, so even if they decided on a nominal fee, these rates are downright ridiculous, and an insult to the integrity of Jamaican people.
Perhaps it is really time that our Government starts charging the Americans, Canadians and British a fee for entry visas to Jamaica. Tourism is already at an all-time low, so even if there is a further decline, the extra revenues from these fees will still be beneficial. These countries will then see that we are a country with purpose, integrity and stamina also.
