A unified Schengen-style GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) visa will offer several benefits for both the member nations and travelers. The six members will be those within the Gulf bloc – the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
To usher economic growth
This unified visa is intended to promote and enhance tourism within these GCC countries. It could encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations without the need to obtain separate visas for each country. Moreover, travelers to the member locations could experience simplified entry procedures. This would lead to smoother, more convenient, and streamlined travel within the GCC region.
The simplified visa process could additionally stimulate economic growth, boosting trade, business activities, and investment opportunities across the participating countries. Furthermore, it could ease the process for business travelers by enabling them to facilitate business such as attending conferences, trade fairs, and business meetings across multiple GCC countries without the hassle of applying for separate visas. This, in turn, could improve the competitiveness of the GCC countries as a preferred tourist and business destination, especially in comparison to other regional blocs.
Beginning with the recent agreement between the cooperating nations, the implementation of such a visa then requires extensive collaboration. There’s a need to develop policies, infrastructure, processes, and frameworks. The outcome of which is the permission of visa-free travel and tourism between the countries.
Schengen-like GCC visa
The characteristics of such a visa are currently undefined. However, these are expected to be similar to those of the Schengen visa, with the requirements being standardized across the participating countries. The application process could also be streamlined for visa holders.
In addition, it would likely allow for multiple entries within the designated GCC countries. These include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The visa may include a specific validity period during which the holder can enter and exit any of the participating countries freely. The application platform for the visa, if unified, could further simplify the process into one place for travelers who wish to visit multiple GCC countries.
The unified GCC visa may also include provisions for individuals who wish to work or study within the member countries. The implementation of such a visa would still require further collaboration among the GCC member states. It would also need to consider various social, economic, and political aspects specific to each country. Nonetheless, the recent approval of the visa, expected to be implemented in 2024-2025, is significant in solidifying the participating countries’ intent to create the visa.
Read: Ready for ascent: GCC tourism sector’s unified vision for growth
A more connected GCC
With a positive impact expected on the efficiency of business operations, relationships, transactions, and travel, the unified visa may have various impacts on the economy of the member nations.
The streamlined visa process could provide smoother trade relations among the member countries. This encourages intra-regional trade and reduces barriers to cross-border commerce. Subsequently, it would lead to improved supply chain efficiency and lower costs for businesses in the region. Furthermore, a unified visa system could signal a more open and welcoming environment for foreign investors, attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) into the GCC countries. This could result in the development of infrastructure, technology, and various industries. Ultimately, it could contribute to economic diversification and growth.
The simplified process for obtaining a visa would also likely attract more tourists to the GCC region, driving tourism revenues for the member countries. This influx of tourists would further contribute to the growth of the hospitality, transportation, and entertainment industries.
With easier cross-border travel for business purposes, trade and investment activities are encouraged, leading to increased business opportunities and economic growth within the region. This could entice more foreign companies to establish a presence in the GCC countries, creating more employment opportunities and developing local economies. All in all, it could nurture a better overall standard of living and increased consumer spending within GCC.
Stronger ‘regional identity’
The implementation of a unified visa system strengthens the sense of regional identity and solidarity among the member countries. It also fosters greater collaboration in economic and development initiatives. This could create a more integrated and cohesive regional economy. This encompasses better cultural exchange, understanding, promotion, and collaboration in various fields, including education, arts, and sciences.
The overall impact and application of a unified Schengen-style GCC visa would depend on various factors. These include the implementation strategy, the outline framework, infrastructure, and marketing efforts to promote the region as a unified tourist and business destination. Such a visa system will ultimately create stronger ties and greater regional integration among the GCC member states, leading to additional closer cooperation in the long term. It will contribute significantly to the growth and development of the member countries while simultaneously enriching the travel experience for visitors who are seeking to explore the diverse cultures and landscapes within the GCC region.
Libbie Burtinshaw is the head of operations at PRO Partner Group
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