Recently, there have been calls to stop granting visas on arrival to visitors to the UAE from certain countries that refuse to comply with a similar reciprocal measure while dealing with UAE nationals.
The call was made when several UAE nationals were asked to go through a tedious process while applying for visas to visit countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, US, and other states in western Europe. The UAE, however, has a hassle-free visa procedure for citizens of these countries. As such, it is proper and just for the UAE to stop giving preferential treatment to citizens of the aforementioned states when they plan to visit our country.
The most degrading issue, that needs to be be reformed and rectified, is the way UAE citizens are treated while processing their visa application. The treatment metted out to them is nothing short of humiliating.
As such, it would be unfair on the part of the UAE government to create a friendly environment and organise hospitality services for citizens of countries which don't respect the feelings of Emiratis and do not accord them the same treatment that is given by the UAE to those visitors.
It is highly recommended and even pleaded by Emiratis that their visa applications be processed in the same manner that the UAE authorities process the applications of visitors from those countries. What they ask for is equal and fair treatment. In that way, Emiratis will no longer be humiliated when they apply for a visa, which is supposed to be done in the most hospitable manner.
What is surprising is the fact that the UAE allows citizens of Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Brunei, United Kingdom, France, Liechtenstein, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Paraguay, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Italy, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Portugal to enter the UAE without a pre-approved visa! On the other hand, all Emiratis must obtain a visa in advance before they can visit these states. What made Emiratis call for equality is the unfairness of the above circumstances.
Humiliation
Mounting cases of humiliation of Emiratis while obtaining visas to these countries have caused a lot of heartburn. Resorting to humiliation in a hospitality matter negates the importance of friendly relations among states. It can prevent the growth of economic and social progress as people will be barred from interacting freely with nationals of other countries. Besides that, there are important reasons for Emiratis to visit these countries without any hassles.
First, the UAE cannot be considered as a Third World country, and it is not a developing state like the other states within the region. So, why treat its citizens that way? It is like humiliating them unfairly, when in the first place their conduct in admitting visitors to their country is proper and friendly.
Second, the per capita income in the UAE is one of highest in the world, something that should be taken into consideration.
A report of the International Monetary Fund mentioned that there was an increase in the Gross Domestic Product of the UAE by 16.7 per cent which amounts to Dh730 billion in the year 2007. Our economic progress is evident, and Emiratis deserve the right to be respected the same way we respect citizens from those countries.
Third, it is proper to note that when a citizen of the UAE travels abroad, it is mostly for tourism, medical treatment and educational reasons. Emiratis do not even have to visit other countries to look for a job. As such it is unfair to humiliate them. They are citizens of a very self-reliant and progressive country.
Moreover, all citizens of the UAE are happy in their own country and would never think of emigrating to any other country for economic reasons.
Only Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and New Zealand provide equality in visa procedures for citizens of the UAE on a reciprocal basis. As blunt as it may be, only the citizens of these countries must be allowed to enter the UAE without a pre-approved visa. Citizens of other countries may only be allowed to do so when their respective country reciprocates.
Finally, the governments of those Western countries do not provide visas on arrival for UAE citizens should heed the request of Emiratis to treat them with respect when they apply for visas.
Salim Mohammad is an independent UAE writer.
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