The measure recently taken by the Angolan Executive and submitted to the National Assembly, for consequent approval, aims to boost the national economy and tourism. Meanwhile, analysts contacted by this newspaper, despite applauding the initiative, warn of the need to strengthen the capacity of migration services and balance economic benefits with National Security
The measure recently taken by the Angolan Executive and submitted to the National Assembly, for consequent approval, aims to boost the national economy and tourism. Meanwhile, analysts contacted by this newspaper, despite applauding the initiative, warn of the need to strengthen the capacity of migration services and balance economic benefits with National Security.
The Council of Ministers under the guidance of the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, recently approved a diploma that establishes the visa-free entry regime for citizens of several countries, with emphasis on those from the G-20, a group which includes the richest countries in the world. The diploma, according to the Angolan Executive, will, on the other hand, simplify the procedures for granting tourist visas to other countries, aiming to speed up and reduce bureaucracy in the processing of processes, with a view to boosting tourism.
With this decision, the Angolan Government seeks to promote tourism, trade and, consequently, increase employment in different sectors of the economy. Inserted in the economic agenda and measures to stimulate the national economy, the measure has, in essence, an economic and not just a migratory bias. The G-20 or Group of 20 economies represent 90 percent of the world’s Gross National Product (GNP), concentrating 80 percent of world trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.
The G-20 is made up of the G-8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) plus the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Turkey. In turn, Spain is not integrated into the organization, but has been considered a permanent guest since 2008. Other countries are also occasionally invited.
Impact of opening for Angola
The recent initiative by the Angolan Executive, which aims to eliminate entry visas for G-20 countries, could represent advantages for the country, but without ruling out possible disadvantages, according to analysts and experts in international relations. They understand that, in addition to the advantages, especially economic ones, the measure can also affect issues linked to national security.
Analyst and specialist in international relations, Afonso Botáz, states that, when making the decision to eliminate entry visas, governments need to balance the economic benefits with the need to maintain national security, involving the implementation of adequate security measures, such as an effective border control system, background checks and international cooperation for sharing security information.
The analyst understands that exemption from entry visas for citizens of G-20 countries could bring advantages to the country such as stimulating tourism, which could attract more tourists from this group of economically strong countries, boosting the tourism industry. and consequently increasing the country’s revenue.
Another advantage, according to Botáz, has to do with business facilitation, in which the source considers that the elimination of visas could facilitate trade and investments between Angola and the G-20 countries, promoting economic development. In the scope of diplomatic relations, he emphasizes that the measure could strengthen diplomatic relations between Angola and the G-20 countries, promoting cooperation in several areas. “The measure in question could improve Angola’s image on the international stage, demonstrating greater openness and welcoming to foreign visitors,” he said.
As for disadvantages, the expert warns that the elimination of visas can increase the risk of unwanted and malicious people entering the country, such as criminals, terrorists and illegal immigrants, thus compromising national security. Another disadvantage is the possible overload of border control and migration resources, making it more difficult to manage the entry and exit of foreigners. Afonso Botáz said that the lack of strict border control can be exploited by those who seek to cause harm. He also considered a possible increase in crime, claiming that, with the arrival of more foreigners, there could be an increase in practices such as drug trafficking, smuggling and other related crimes.
In his opinion, the country could lose the ability to effectively control and manage the flow of foreigners and this could make it difficult to identify and track individuals who pose threats to national security. To counter the situation, the analyst calls for defense and security forces and intelligence services to be prepared to monitor and respond to possible threats.
Still among the disadvantages, he pointed out the impact on the job market, claiming that the arrival of more foreigners could compete with local workers for jobs, which could be a concern for the local population. In the area of infrastructure, he stated that the increase in tourism and immigration could overload existing infrastructure, such as airports and accommodation. “The decision to eliminate entry visas for citizens of G-20 countries must be made taking these factors into account and balancing economic and diplomatic benefits with security concerns and local impact. It is important to carry out detailed analysis and consultation before implementing a change as significant as this,” he highlighted.
Other analyzes
Amaral Lala, another specialist in international relations, considers this to be a positive initiative, taking into account Angola’s image as a difficult state to access. The expert is also of the opinion that the aforementioned measure could also stimulate tourism. “However, until we overcome some internal factors, such as infrastructure, justice, quality of education, health, tourists and investors will favor safer destinations,” he said. With regard to possible disadvantages, he pointed out the need to strengthen the capacity of the Migration Services and other security forces so that they are up to the new challenges.
Mário Gerson, also a specialist in international relations, states, in turn, that the Angolan State has turned, within the framework of its foreign policy, to economic diplomacy, which is only functional with the opening of strategic partnerships, essentially commercial or business point of view. The source claims that, with the facilitation of visas for G-20 member countries, the attraction of business, investment and tourism could become a fact. “The G-20 is one of the extremely impactful economic blocs derived from the existence of the richest countries in the world, the importance and impact for Angola is visible.
With this facilitation opening, we essentially aim to attract positive values to our country. The entire perspective created around visa exemptions aims to bring obvious advantages to our country, because you cannot bring in investments with difficulties in obtaining visas”, he argued. Regarding possible disadvantages of the measure in question, Mário Gerson believes that there is no negative tendency due to the dictates being previously established in different legislations, which furthermore safeguards the national interest and that of foreigners in good faith.
