Seasonal immigration policies 

The summer’s arrival is accompanied by good weather and an unquenchable thirst for vacation. It is precisely this factor which exotic destinations use as leverage, as countries forge open immigration policies which bait tourists that look to satiate their appetite for new experiences and snap pictures that allow them to “get likes” in their Instagram accounts. 

Those host countries, which open their doors to the office worker that looks to swap their screen saver with a recent summer photograph, seek out foreign investment in their tourism industry. This summer proves to be no exception, and there are plenty of opportunities to pack your suitcase.

One of the first immigration policies that was launched this year was initiated by the Chinese government. The Chinese Administration, making the most of their post-card-worthy islands, has authorized tourist stays in Hainan Island. The new Chinese policy, which will enable one to soak their feet in the crystalline waters of the pacific during a month without the need for a visa, was implemented during the first days of May and welcomes citizens of over 59 countries, including Spain. Beyond the possible altruistic motivations of the Chinese government of offering up a way of unplugging from the constant stream of emails, the Chinese administration is pursuing tourist investment. It is no coincidence that this new policy was ushered in one week after the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, made his visit to Boao to partake in the city’s economic Forum. The local government is exploring the possibility of replacing their reliance on the antiquated and modest fishing and agriculture industries for an opulent and modern hotel industry.

For those that aim for a long-term experience, have interpreted “Eat, Pray, Love” as a manual to follow, and have the potential to come back to Spanish territory missing their mom’s home cooking, New Zealand offers the perfect visa. The government of New Zealand offers more than 200 “Working Holiday Visas” aimed at Spaniards from the age range of 18 to 30, which allows those who enter the country to both work and spend their vacations in the island. Furthermore, in a recent statement by the authorities, and upon facing the imminent possibility of losing their kiwi crop and the consequent economic challenges that this would entail, the government of New Zealand has altered their policies, thus enabling tourists to work during their stay. In a desperate attempt to mask a laborious task as a possible tourist attraction, the government hopes that the common tourist sees this as a rewarding life experience.

This open immigration policy trend has garnered the attention of other countries. If in the two aforementioned cases, the policy change was inspired and encouraged by the host country’s economic goals, Saudi Arabia’s case is seemingly more complex. In an effort, worthy of the best Public relations manager, to alter their image, the Arab country looks to reform their international perception and reek the economic profit that comes with international investors, thus diversifying their industries and compensating for their overreliance on oil production. It is with these intentions, that the Arab country will begin to issue tourist visas. This new policy will be followed by the construction of new resorts and hotels.

Numerous statistics reflect the recent endorsement of open immigration policies. The World Tourism Organization welcomed the increase of said policies and in a study published in 2015, confirmed the drop in the number of tourists that needed a visa to travel. According to The World Tourism Organization, in 2015, 39% of the world’s population could travel as tourists without the need to obtain a traditional visa. A significant difference in comparison with the figures from 2008, which stood at 23%. This upwards trend is due in large part to the emerging countries’ encouragement that see in the endorsement of said policies an opportunity for an economic boost and stimulus.

Although it may seem as a new fad, open immigration policies are not a new phenomenon. Yugoslavia in large part pioneered its practice in 1967, when it suspended all visa obligations, turning tourism into an integral part of its development and identity. The country’s open-door policy allowed it to display an identity that allowed it to differentiate itself from the heavy burden that the Soviet Union had left years before.

Nepal is another country that has been able to identify its geography’s inherent ability to attract tourists. The Nepalese government kicked off its open policies in the 60’s, after recognizing the international community’s interest in the country’s landscape and mountains. Beyond the support of its open-door policies to tourists, Nepal invested in its infrastructure (airports, hotel industry and gambling industry).

The multiple anecdotal examples that seemingly establish a causality between a country’s open immigration policies and its consequent economic development are backed up and confirmed by several studies. These same studies prove that even though the endorsement of stricter visa policies have a delayed negative effect on the host country, conversely, the promotion of open immigration policies has immediate positive effects. This is in large part due to the perception by the public that these policies are simply temporary, thus leading the potential tourist to take on a “now or never” attitude. 

Even though it may seem interesting to know the motivations and history behind open immigration policies, the reality is that a tourist’s sole obligation is to enjoy their destination and vacation. So, if you are looking to replace your monitor’s light for that of the sun and switch the office’s bustle for the sound of waves, keep an eye out for open immigration policies, because it’s open-door season.