Visa denials spark debate over fairness and economic burden
Africans lost an estimated $67.5 million in visa application fees to European countries in 2024, highlighting growing concerns over systemic discrimination and the financial toll of visa rejections, according to a report by the LAGO Collective.
The data reveals that African nations are disproportionately affected by Schengen visa denials, with rejection rates in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal ranging between 40% and 50%. Each Schengen visa application costs €90 (approximately $100) and is non-refundable—even when denied.
Nigerians Among the Worst Hit
In Nigeria alone, over 50,000 short-stay visa applications were rejected last year—nearly half of all applications submitted to Schengen embassies. This translated to a loss of more than €4.5 million ($5 million) in application fees for Nigerian applicants.
One of them, Joel Anyaegbu, a gaming consultant, told CNN he was denied a Spanish visa twice, despite submitting extensive documentation, including bank statements and proof of property ownership. “I felt humiliated,” he said. “I had to cancel meetings with partners at a conference I was attending.”
Case-by-Case Claims vs. Pattern of Bias
The European Commission insists visa applications are reviewed individually by experienced decision-makers. A spokesperson said decisions are based on “purpose of stay, sufficient means of subsistence, and the applicants’ willingness to return home.”
But human rights advocates argue that the system reflects “inbuilt discrimination and bias.” Marta Foresti, founder of the LAGO Collective, called the process a form of “reverse remittances”—money flowing from the world’s poorest nations to wealthier ones without benefit in return.
“The poorer the country of application, the higher the rejection rate,” Foresti stated, adding that many African applicants never challenge rejections legally due to a lack of resources or awareness.
Legal Victory But Lingering Doubts
In a rare legal win, Cameroonian executive Jean Mboulé successfully sued the French embassy in Johannesburg after he was denied a visa despite submitting similar documents as his wife, who was approved. The court in Nantes ruled that the decision was based on “insufficient reasoning,” and the embassy was ordered to issue his visa and pay €1,200 in damages.
Ironically, Mboulé opted to travel to Mauritius instead, choosing not to “spend his money in France” after the ordeal.
Broader Impact on Africans
The situation extends beyond Schengen visas. The United Kingdom has also seen a rise in rejection-related costs. UK visa fees increased from £100 to £127 ($170) between July 2024 and April 2025, contributing to a total loss of £50.7 million ($68.8 million) for applicants. Nigerians reportedly paid an extra £2 million seeking UK entry.
South African management expert Sikhumbuzo Maisela believes part of the problem stems from past violations by visa holders, which influence how future applications are viewed. “When one person violates the rules, it impacts all of us,” he said, calling visas “an act of trust.”
Growing Call for Reform
Amid mounting pressure, Türkiye has called on the European Union to reform its visa policies, echoing African frustrations over perceived double standards and a lack of transparency in denials.
The European Commission maintains that appeals are allowed under EU law, but critics argue that for many Africans, the cost and complexity of challenging visa rejections make the process inaccessible—leaving many voiceless and financially burdened.
Read More: “Visit Ghana and Nigeria Before Judging Africa” – Tems
