I’ve always believed that it’s such a shame for Arab countries to request visas from each other. I mean, we call for an Arab union, we dream of an Arab unity on all levels of life, but while dreaming and calling, we still stick to every single separation factor that helps only spread more division among us.

One of the most effective forms of separation is the request for a VISA; since it highlights borders and empowers the barriers that were created by imperialism. Yet for some reason, Arabs insist on holding to the annoying demands of visas, making them a must to legally seek permission for entering another Arab country. And by that, Arab countries –with the exception of really FEW countries- are treating each other as foreigners not as countries of brotherhood “dying” for unity.

Today I came across some news about Visa regulations in Jordan. Apparently, an Interior Ministry regulation requiring nationals from several East European and Mediterranean countries to obtain a visa before entering the Kingdom was rescinded. [Source:The Jordan Times].

Now my main concern revolves around the part regarding the “Mediterranean” countries, Tunisia being one of them.
Jordan requires no visas from Tunisians BEFORE entering the Kingdom. Tunisian nationals are issued visas upon arrival (i.e. at the airport of Jordan). Which I consider an extremely friendly gesture. I mean if visas have to be requested, they might as well be –relatively- easily given if we really want to show our tendency towards unity.
And therefore I’m relieved that Jordan will stick to its policy in this regard.

Anyway, to make sure to stick on the safe side, my husband always requests a visa before flying to Jordan. He submits his demand, and he gets his visa by noon of the same day with no complications whatsoever.
While I, on the other hand, even though I’m married to a Tunisian, and even though I have my residency papers all legally and officially defined, would go through an amazing deal of trouble just to get my own parents a visa to visit me for a short while… if they were finally given the visa that is!
I don’t claim it’s unjustifiable or wrong, because I know the horrible time we’re living and the security measurements each country has to take to protect itself and its civilians from any form of threat or danger. I’m just wishing, if we still insist on this whole visa thing, that when a person has provided all requested official paper work and it turned out to be all legally approved and correct, that this person will get the same treatment his/her country provides for the nationals of the country (s)he resides in…