Released on = December 5, 2006, 3:59 am

Press Release Author = John Bell

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = The validity period for tourist visas and business visitor
visas has been extended from one to two years for nationals from member countries of
the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Press Release Body = Nationals from six Gulf countries will find it easier to visit
Australia under changes announced today by Minister for Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone.

The validity period for tourist visas and business visitor visas has been extended
from one to two years for nationals from member countries of the Gulf Cooperation
Council.

'From today, most nationals from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain,
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia can visit Australia as often as they like over a two-year
period with just one visa,' Senator Vanstone said today.

'Up to 70 per cent of these people are repeat visitors making regular family holiday
trips to Australia, and the validity extension will benefit an estimated 11 000
visitors from the Gulf every year.

'People wishing to make return trips within two years will now not need to reapply
for their visa and we hope that will encourage people to visit Australia
frequently.'

Australia has enjoyed and welcomed an increase in the number of visitors from the
Gulf region.

In the past five years the number of visitor visa applications from Gulf countries
has almost doubled to more than 20 000 in 2005.

'This extension in visa validity is in response to the large number of people from
the Gulf who visit Australia regularly,' Senator Vanstone said.

'We welcome these visitors and this new process will benefit all those who wish to
return to Australia.'

Senator Vanstone said business travellers would also reap the benefits of needing to
apply only every two years.

'We understand that business is time critical and that delays caused by reapplying
for a visa can be costly. This change will make it that little bit easier to do
business here.'

The two-year visa will streamline visa processing during the peak travelling season
in the Gulf.

More than 14 000 tourist visas will be processed by the Australian Consulate-General
in Dubai in June and July next year for people wanting to spend their summer holiday
in Australia.

Senator Vanstone said the new arrangement followed other recent improvements to visa
processing for nationals of the Gulf countries.

'Most importantly, we hope these changes will strengthen and nurture the ties
between our nations,' the Minister said.

This new initiative will be introduced as a trial and will be reviewed to ensure it
is having the desired benefits for clients in the region.

- Senator Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Web Site = http://www.nationalvisas.com.au

Contact Details = National Visas
Web site: http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
Address: 3 - 118 Church Street
Hawthorn, Victoria
Australia 3122
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9697 4922