The Editor, Sir:

Why is our government not applying the principle of reciprocity, as far as the question of granting of visas is concerned? We need to have pride and say: "What is good for the goose is good for the gander."

Nation-states employ visa restrictions to manage the complex trade-off between facilitating the entrance to their territory by passport holders from certain countries, for economic and political reasons and deterring individuals from other countries, for reasons of perceived security and immigration control. The resulting system is one of highly unequal access to foreign spaces, reinforcing existing inequalities.

Transnational mobility is encouraged for passport holders from privileged nations, particularly rich Western countries, at the expense of severe restrictions for others. Some countries, but by no means all, have reciprocal visa regimes. Reciprocal visa fee regime gained prominence in recent years with the decision of the United States to charge nationals of various countries(including Jamaica) a $100 visa processing fee (non-refundable, even if a visa isn't issued).

Admirably, a number of countries have exercised their own sovereign right to impose visa fees as well (Brazil, Chile, Turkey and more recently Bolivia). Brazil, for example, requires an advance visa before entry into the country, and that a U.S. citizen be fingerprinted and photographed on arrival, matching U.S. requirements for Brazilians and other foreigners.

Why can't we have some gumption and emulate these countries, or are we forever to listen to the hue and cry of tourism interests over national pride?

I am etc.,

DORIAN BRANDON

desdemondo@yahoo.com

Westmoreland

Via Go-Jamaica