Zambian President Demands EU, UK Refund Visa Fees for Rejected Applications

Zambian President Demands EU, UK Refund Visa Fees for Rejected Applications

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the European Union and the United Kingdom to refund visa application fees to African applicants whose requests are denied, condemning the current system as exploitative and unjust.

The demand, which has reignited debates over fairness in international travel policies, challenges a longstanding practice where applicants pay non-refundable fees typically between $100 to $150 even when their visas are rejected. President Hichilema argued that withholding fees for unsuccessful applications amounts to charging for an unrendered service.

The remarks have struck a chord across Africa, where travelers frequently face opaque rejection criteria, prolonged processing times, and perceived systemic bias in visa approvals. Data reveals the financial scale of the issue: the UK alone reportedly earned millions in 2023 from rejected African applications.

“This isn’t just about money it’s about dignity and equitable treatment,” a Zambian government spokesperson told reporters. The president’s stance aligns with growing African demands for reciprocity in diplomatic and economic relations with Western nations.

Analysts note the move could pressure destination countries to reform visa processes amid rising South-to-North migration debates. While neither the EU nor UK has yet responded, the call has drawn support from African civil society groups and policymakers advocating for fairer global mobility rules.

The controversy underscores broader tensions over economic imbalances and post-colonial power dynamics, with Hichilema emerging as a vocal advocate for systemic change in Africa’s engagement with Western institutions.

Source: The Daakyehene