Jordan has visa-on-arrival for Indians

Visa hinders Jordanian business, leisure travellers to India

To connect people of the two countries, the first major step the Ambassador of Jordan, Mr. Mohammad El Fayez took last year on his arrival in India was giving Indian visitors the facility of visa-on-arrival. However, a similar reciprocal step has not yet been taken by the Indian Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Ambassador is of the view that making visa-on-arrival for Jordanians will give a big push to business and leisure visitors from his country. 

Why do we have very few people from Jordan coming to India? Is there lack of awareness about India in Jordan?  

Jordanians are well aware about India. They know about India’s history, its culture and, in fact, the whole story of independence of India. They even are aware of the salt satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi. Our both countries have suffered colonialism. We got independence and the Kingdom in 1946, so it is almost the same timing (as India). We have almost the same history. Jordanians do not feel different when they are in India. We have a long history of relations. Jordanians are well educated. The literacy rate among males is 96 % and among females 86%. We teach them history and geography of the world from day one. Our system is built in a way to make knowledge more reachable.

The Indian film industry is well known in Jordan. In 60’s  stars like Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor were known names in Jordan too. We have Indian films running in Jordan. We need to push more to connect people together in all fields; politically we have no problems; there are zero differences. Cultural promotion is slow, but going in the right direction. We will be doing more to promote cultural ties in 2012. The Jerash Festival held in summer in Jordan is well known. Its been there for 25 years. Over 120 countries participated in it. India has done once, but I want India to come forward. 

Then what is the hindrance in movement of more and more people between the two countries? 

Visa is a big hindrance. Jordan has given Indians the offer of visa-on-arrival. Indians do not have to take visa before leaving. It is simpler for them. We have taken all measures to facilitate movement of Indians, but we have not received the same facility from India. If we want to follow an open door policy, then visa must go.  I know of many Jordanians who would like to travel to India, but getting a visa is a big hindrance. Its been one year that we have visa-on-arrival for Indians, but, unfortunately, India has not reciprocated. We already have eight direct flights between India and Jordan per week by Royal Jordanian of which five come to New Delhi and three to Mumbai.  

Have you taken up the matter with Indian Foreign Affairs Ministry? 

If they don’t act, we cannot push them. We expect some movement – half way from us and half way from India.  India for us is a ‘brotherly’ country and not just friendly one. I want full cooperation with India in all aspects. I will not stop; I will continue to pursue this objective.

Does this imply that Jordanian tourists avoid India because of visa problem? 

Visa is a problem for Jordanian tourists. Last year over 1,50,000 Jordanian tourists travelled to Turkey. This number could shift to India. Turkey has visa-on-arrival, so such a good number of Jordanians travelled to that country.  

Trade between India and Jordan decreased between 2008 and 2010. Are there any specific reasons for this downward trend? 

In 2010 the economic situation in many countries was bad because of international financial situation. Jordan was also affected by this international crisis. We have one million Jordanians working in Gulf countries from a total population of 6 million.  

Are there good numbers of Indian companies investing in Jordan? 

We have had 20 Indian companies in the last two years. We have offered qualified industrial zones to Indian investors. We ensure security and safety to investors. Our banking system is very modern. We have one of the best infrastructures in the world. Jordan is a modern and moderate country. It’s a free country. Church and mosque co-exist together. We are an open minded people. Owing to this environment, some Indian companies have relocated themselves to Jordan. We have the advantage of the free port of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Though it is a private economic area, it is a well organized port. Business in Aqaba has reached USD 24 billion. 

And investments from Jordan into India? 

Unfortunately, there are no private investments from Jordan. However, there are sectors in which Jordanian investors could enter India. Hotel industry and agriculture could be the possible fields. Jordanians are expert in construction. In four years we have built 40 underground tunnels and flyovers. Jordanian companies are expert in this.