Competency of DFAT

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ermen

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Recently, I have been needing to apply for visa’s for various countries – and it just dawned on me that as an Australian passport is not necessarily the most convenient viz other countries.

The question is – is this a reflection of the competency of DFAT and them not fighting hard enough for Australian interests overseas?

For example:-

China
1/ Visa-exemption (e.g. Singapore, Japan, Brunei and a whole host of other smaller Caribbean countries...)
2/ 10 year reciprocal visa (USA)

At best, Australian passport holders can apply for a 1 year multiple entry visa as I understand. At the very least, shouldn't DFAT be fighting for a 10 year reciprocal visa like the US, given we just signed an FTA, and already offer Chinese nationals 10 year visa access (albeit for an exorbitant A$1,000 fee)?

Vietnam
1/ 15 countries are already visa free (e.g. Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy etc etc)
2/ Apparently the Vietnam government has launched an “e-visa” pilot program for 40 countries (saving people the hassle of getting the VOA or embassy visa).
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/d...list.pdf/6d522d1e-25ed-410b-b966-27198ae58b49

Australia is not on the list. Why? Illogical given we have a big Vietnamese diaspora (ok maybe they are mainly from the capitalist South?)

Indonesia
1/ Ok - so Australia belatedly got onto their visa free program (delayed due to the diplomatic spat over the Bali nine)
 
Your list is fairly specific, and perhaps reflects your particular needs. I would have thought that Australians have pretty good access to travel almost anywhere in the world with minimal fuss.

Any country is likely to provide easy access to citizens of other countries that share similar values and cultural history, and could expect to have difficulty with countries that have traditionally experienced strained relations. As Australia has fairly stable and good relations with most other nations. Anomalies like Indonesia, PNG, Timor, Fiji etc. change with the political tides (in both countries).

As for DFAT - I take this as a broader comment on the government, since DFAT doesn't decide government policy, it implements it, often soothing relations after poorly thought through phrasing by clumsy politicians making political points with their domestic base. What do you propose the government should do, invade China until they give us 10 year visas? Now what could have happened in Australia's past relationship wtih Vietnam ...hmmm let me think on that.
 
1/ Indeed, those list of countries were specific to my needs - it just so happened it was is becoming a PITB (and I am spending a small fortune on visas)

2/ Yes the government should be more accurate - maybe I should change the title to the Minister for FA and Minister for Trade

3/ On China - we already give them 10 year visas, we could always cancel that scheme until reciprocity is given

4/ Vietnam: US passport holders are on the list of 40 "e-visa" countries... go figure...
 
3/ On China - we already give them 10 year visas, we could always cancel that scheme until reciprocity is given

Better that Chinese citizens are here spending money or paying Australian tax for 10 years while we utilise their skills. Ok, tongue in cheek, I get that it must be painful for Aussies working in China who have to renew frequently. I just don't think cancelling easy access for highly skilled Chinese visa holders would send much of a signal to Beijing. Hiking the tourist visa price might :)

4/ Vietnam: US passport holders are on the list of 40 "e-visa" countries... go figure...

Fair cop :) I thought this was a bit odd, we actually have pretty good relations with Vietnam despite earlier, er, disagreements. It may be that the restrictions are aimed at the huge diaspora here who hold Australian passports, either to ensure they travel on their Vietnamese passport (if they have one) or can be identified by the authorities when going "home". Lots of reasons why V might want to know when "their" people are coming home (particularly if their tax or national service records might indicate they aren't).

Note: I should add this is pure speculation, I do not have any inside knowledge on these topics.
 
3/ On China - we already give them 10 year visas, we could always cancel that scheme until reciprocity is given

yes - but they spend bucket loads of cash here. How much do Aussies spend in China?

If you're travelling to China on business you can apply for an APEC card. Tourists... well there's 72 or 144 hour transit without visa. The latter is very generous, Australia doesn't give reciprocal rights on that.
 
I think in general, Australian passport holders get a good deal.

I transit through SCL 3 or 4 times a year, we have to pay a $117usd reciprocity fee to enter. (not that I do). When I first transited, I think there were about 8 to 10 countries on the list, now its only 2. Us and Mexico, who pay only $28usd compared to our $117. I personally have only crossed the border once several years ago when the fee was about $80+.

Along with your examples, its annoying, but I don't think its necessarily a DFAT thing. Lots of variables in play. Maybe Julie should spend less time at the polo?
 
I think of the Chile reciprocity fee as a secret Aussie Govt.tax.
 
Regarding Chile's reciprocity fee, which I suffer and pay from time to time, I believe (am I correct?) that it is exactly that - reciprocity for what Chilean's are forced to pay to visit Australia?

In general though, I LOVE being an Australian passport holder. A friend of mine is Mongolian - God she suffers!!
 
Australian passport holders can enter 169 countries without a Visa, which, while not the best in the world, is not too bad....


The world's most powerful passports - Telegraph
Visa Restriction Index 2006 to 2016

As you see though we lag behind other developed world passports. Need to compare apples to apples here.

I think in general, Australian passport holders get a good deal.

I transit through SCL 3 or 4 times a year, we have to pay a $117usd reciprocity fee to enter. (not that I do). When I first transited, I think there were about 8 to 10 countries on the list, now its only 2. Us and Mexico, who pay only $28usd compared to our $117. I personally have only crossed the border once several years ago when the fee was about $80+.

Along with your examples, its annoying, but I don't think its necessarily a DFAT thing. Lots of variables in play. Maybe Julie should spend less time at the polo?

Ah don't get me started on South America. I was planning a trip to Brazil and then realised I need a visa to get into Brazil. I'm based in HKG - I checked the consulate website here and realise that HKSAR passport holders don't need a visa to go. What gives (I mean HKSAR GDP/capita is lower than Australia...)?

In general though, I LOVE being an Australian passport holder. A friend of mine is Mongolian - God she suffers!!

Yes indeed I am glad I am not a Mongolian or Burundi passport holder. But that's not the point, our passport lags behind other countries with similar developed world status...
 
I think in general, Australian passport holders get a good deal.

I transit through SCL 3 or 4 times a year, we have to pay a $117usd reciprocity fee to enter. (not that I do). When I first transited, I think there were about 8 to 10 countries on the list, now its only 2. Us and Mexico, who pay only $28usd compared to our $117. I personally have only crossed the border once several years ago when the fee was about $80+.

Along with your examples, its annoying, but I don't think its necessarily a DFAT thing. Lots of variables in play. Maybe Julie should spend less time at the polo?
Just for clarity is that us or US (of A)?
 
As you see though we lag behind other developed world passports. Need to compare apples to apples here..
...

"Lags" is probably a bit of a strong word - we get visa-free for 169 vs the best who get 173? A pitifully small difference - really we are in the top group.
 
the lack of pressure to have longer China visa's for Australians is likely down to the failure of Australian companies to capitalise on the China boom, direct foreign investment is hugely behind most of the other G20.
 
At best, Australian passport holders can apply for a 1 year multiple entry visa as I understand.

the lack of pressure to have longer China visa's for Australians is likely down to the failure of Australian companies to capitalise on the China boom, direct foreign investment is hugely behind most of the other G20.

Those doing regular business with China, within an appropriate company structure, can of course get a 3 year visa (in practice ~ 2.5 years) via the APEC card.
 
An APEC card is not relevant to most of the population (need to be senior staff at a company).

Americans today have access to 10yr tourist visas (which we dont have access to)
 
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An APEC card is not relevant to most of the population (need to be senior staff at a company)

It isn't relevant to most of the population - but I speculate that most of the population wouldn't be interested in a 10 year visa costing $1000 either. APEC does provide easier access for people doing business with the country (not just a 1 year maximum) and it is not restricted just to senior staff, they can be other staff - as long as nominated by CEO, CFO, regional head, owner or director and involved in business/investment activities related to trade between the countries
 
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