Al Jazeera
"UAE to hike visa fee for Canadians"
written by: author's name was not provided
Published: 30 December 2010 Accessed: 18 March 2012
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Brief Summary of the Article:
In retaliation for Canada's decision to not allow more direct flights landing within its borders on the part of United Arab Emirates owned airlines, the UAE has decided to raise the rates that Canadians must pay for visas to visit the UAE. Prices for Canadians to obtain visas are $250 for a 30 day visit, $500 for up to three months, and $1000 for a multiple entry six month visit. Prior to January 2011 Canadians had been allowed to enter the UAE without a visa like the citizens of the U.S. and over 30 other countries. The UAE is the largest Middle East trading partner of Canada; a partnership which generates over $1.5 billion of which 95% is made up of Canadian exports.
Your Thoughts, Comments, and/or Reaction:
Each country must make decisions which they believe are most beneficial to themselves and their economic development. Its a shame that some form of compromise couldn't be worked out because ultimately both countries will hurt. Six flights per week on flights owned my UAE companies doesn't seem like a large quantity for such a strong trading partner. The reaction on the part of the UAE might stiffle Canadian economic relations with the Middle East at large.
Article's Relation to "Politics"
International relations are often conducted via the political institutions of the world's countries. Granted, NGOs and international businesses may also act so as to impact international relations, but such actions are typically have a direct link to domestic political policies and/or international agreements made by the respective governments. In this case, it is the actions of the governments of Canada and the UAE that most closely related to the decisions which have been made.