Letter to the Editor Travisory’s tall claims |26 April 2021
This refers to the recent article published in the Seychelles NATION issue of Friday April 23, 2021 on the Travisory Programme being used for all persons entering the borders of Seychelles.
No doubt the programme looks cosmetically highly impressive and a lot of tall claims have been made with regard to the programme.
It is not known whether any cost benefit analysis has been carried out for the same. Tourism is the main bread and butter for the country and therefore we should try to welcome the visitors by making their entry as hassle-free as possible, of course keeping the safety of the country from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many of the countries have succeeded in controlling this highly contagious deadly disease to a larger extent, whereas in some countries the pandemic is spreading vigorously at present and the entry of visitors from these countries could pose serious danger to Seychelles, for which the country has rightly put severe restrictions or closed our borders. No doubt the Ministry of Health deserves all the praises for successfully managing the Covid climate in Seychelles. The vaccination programme is being administered vigorously.
If we closely examine the Travisory, as per website every visitor wanting to enter our borders has to provide details as specified and on that basis the authorities in Seychelles may give permission within eight to twenty four hours (in article six to one hour), for which a fee is charged in advance for Seychellois as well as any other visitor coming to Seychelles. Indirectly it only provides the details of the visitors expected by each flight in advance. A Seychellois has to pay €5.40 and foreigner US $88 (permission duration 24 hrs.) and US $103 (permission duration 8 hrs).
Upon arrival every one – regardless of nationality – has to undergo immigration check, before he or she can enter the country. Supposing there are four members in a family visiting Seychelles, they will incur US $412 + the PCR test fee at the place of origin. A lot of money is spent by those trying to visit Seychelles even before they commence their journey, which could make many shy away. Out of this authorisation fee collected how much is retained in our kitty and how much is passed on to the programme owners is not known. Hope major share stays in Seychelles.
It must also be realised that the health authorities are putting extra efforts utilising already hard pressed extra manpower. In spite of best efforts on internet, it was not possible to find how many countries have patronised this Travisory programme. This gives some doubts on the usefulness of this programme. Once on Seychelles website the conditions for entry are clearly mentioned the purpose is served. The Immigration department with the assistance of representative of the Ministry of Health is examining all the documents of visitors upon arrival, before permitting them to enter the country. There is a check for negative PCR at the time of boarding the plane as well. It is not understandable what extra benefit the Travisory programme brings to Seychelles. The entry of visitors should not only be hassle-free but welcoming, travel-friendly and economical. It is therefore necessary to review the benefits of the Travisory programme to carry out the cost benefit analysis to attract more and more visitors. The cost of US $88 and 103 per individual appears on a higher side and needs consideration to be reasonably reduced to appear not unnecessarily taxing the pockets of visitors. If cost effectively found beneficial, such a programme should be owned by Seychelles for making it to be a permanent practice, to be used always during pandemic and thereafter as well.
Thank you for the space in your newspaper.
Surya Khanna
Jeo Jyoti Foundation, Seychelles