British Airways boss wants Chinese visa rules to be relaxed after Brexit
The chief of British Airways has urged the UK government to follow through on its pledge to relax visa rules for Chinese businesses and tourists, warning that trade links with the Asian powerhouse will be vital in a post-brexit world.
In a letter to the Home Secretary, Willie Walsh – the chief executive of British Airways owner IAG – urged Amber Rudd to introduce a new tenyear visa for Chinese visitors, fulfilling a promise the Conservatives made more than two years ago.
“We need a step change on China,” he wrote. “We make it hard for Chinese tourists to visit. The USA charges £119 for a ten-year visa while Britain charges £767.
“Making it easier for Chinese businesses and tour- ists to come to the UK is critical to boosting our economy and enhancing global trading links, especially post-brexit.
“We continue to lose out on the new jobs that Chinese investment and affluent tourists bring.”
The Schengen short-stay visa costs €99 (about £87) and offers free access to 26 countries, putting the UK at a “competitive disadvantage”, IAG pointed out.
Mr Walsh’s comments come days ahead of Theresa May’s visit to China.
The Prime Minister is grappling with discontent over Brexit that threatens yet more rifts within the Conservative Party.