Singapore has the world’s best passport. So what? - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Henley Passport Index: A ranking system measuring passport strength based on visa-free access, e-visas, and visa-on-arrival options.
• Visa-Free Access: The ability to enter a country without needing a visa beforehand.
• Diplomatic Ties: The political and economic relationships between countries, influencing visa policies.
• Economic Power: A nation’s financial strength, impacting its ability to negotiate visa-free travel agreements.
• Passport Strength & National Pride: The connection between a passport’s ranking and a nation’s sense of identity and status.
• Dual Citizenship: Holding citizenship in two countries, often with implications for passport usage and benefits.
• Economic Diplomacy: Using economic resources to achieve diplomatic goals, such as securing visa-free travel.

Passport Power & National Identity in Asia

The episode of Asia Specific from the BBC World Service explores the significance of passport strength, particularly within the Asian context. The discussion centers around the Henley Passport Index, which currently ranks Singapore as having the strongest passport globally, followed by South Korea and Japan. The US and China are notably absent from the top ten. The conversation highlights the disparity in travel freedom experienced by citizens of different nations, and the impact this has on personal and professional opportunities.

Measuring Passport Strength & Global Rankings

The Henley Passport Index assesses passport strength based on the number of countries accessible visa-free, with e-visas, or visa-on-arrival. Singapore currently grants access to over 190 countries without requiring a visa in advance. The index has seen shifts in recent years, with Singapore overtaking Japan, which previously held the top position. While other rankings exist (like the UAE being ranked first by some), the Henley Index is considered more widely recognized.

Personal Experiences & Real-World Impact

Famega Syavira, an Indonesian travel writer, shared her experiences navigating visa requirements during an overland journey across Africa. She detailed the complexities of obtaining visas for multiple countries, contrasting this with the ease of travel enjoyed by Derek Cai (Singaporean) and Mariko Oi (Japanese). Famega described the time-consuming process of applying for Russian visas (limited to 30 days, despite Russia’s vast size) and the often-humiliating experience of queuing for hours at embassies, submitting extensive documentation (salary statements, property ownership proof, bank accounts) and paying substantial fees. She recounted a colleague’s difficulty obtaining a UK visa for work, requiring a letter from the BBC to prove employment and prevent concerns about overstaying.

Derek Cai highlighted his first experience applying for a tourist visa to India at age 37, a novelty due to the strength of his Singaporean passport.

Factors Contributing to Passport Strength

Several factors contribute to a passport’s strength. Derek Cai explained that Singapore’s small size, strong diplomatic ties, secure borders, and robust economy play crucial roles. Singapore reciprocates visa-free access with other nations, and its small size makes it easier to monitor and control immigration. The country’s economic stability also alleviates concerns about citizens overstaying visas to seek employment. Furthermore, a perception of Singaporeans as well-behaved and rule-abiding contributes to trust from other countries.

Mariko Oi noted that these factors also apply to Japanese passport holders, raising the question of why Singapore surpassed Japan in the rankings – a reason that remains unclear.

Regional Dynamics & National Sentiment

The discussion revealed a sense of rivalry between Southeast Asian nations, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Famega expressed that Malaysia’s higher ranking (10th) is a source of envy for Indonesians, who perceive it as a personal slight. She noted that while Singapore’s high ranking is accepted due to its economic disparity, Malaysia’s position feels more competitive.

The episode also touched on the significance of passport strength in shaping national identity. Famega observed that the passport ranking is widely reported in Indonesia, even among those who don’t travel frequently, as it impacts national pride. She noted that approximately 16 million Indonesians hold passports, a relatively small number considering the country’s population of 280 million, but the ranking still resonates. There is a sense of frustration that a weak passport limits dreams and opportunities.

Limitations & Nuances of Passport Rankings

Mariko Oi pointed out a limitation of the Henley Passport Index: Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, unlike many European countries where citizens benefit from extensive travel and work opportunities within the Schengen Area. She also highlighted the potential impact of economic power, noting China’s rapid climb in the rankings due to its economic diplomacy and investments in Africa, leading to increased visa-free access for Chinese citizens.

The Impact of Passport Strength on Opportunities

The conversation explored how passport strength can affect career and educational opportunities. Famega shared an experience where colleagues were denied opportunities to attend conferences or work assignments in the US due to visa rejections. Derek Cai acknowledged that his Singaporean passport likely contributed to his initial job offer, as it facilitated quick travel for journalistic assignments.

Asean & Future Possibilities

The discussion briefly touched on the potential for a Schengen-like system within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), allowing for visa-free travel and work within the region. While ASEAN currently offers visa-free travel, it doesn’t extend to work permits.

Conclusion

The Asia Specific episode effectively illustrates the profound impact of passport strength on travel freedom, professional opportunities, and national identity. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of diplomacy, economic power, and national characteristics that contribute to a passport’s ranking. While the Henley Passport Index provides a useful metric, the conversation also reveals the nuances and limitations of such rankings, emphasizing the importance of considering factors beyond visa-free access, such as dual citizenship and regional integration. The episode ultimately underscores the disparity in global mobility and the aspirations of individuals and nations to overcome these barriers.