For a lot of Africans, acquiring a Schengen visa to go to Europe is a frightening job. Excessive rejection charges have left numerous candidates dissatisfied and unable to journey. Some international locations face far larger difficulties than others.
Why does this occurs and which nations are most affected?
What’s a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa permits vacationers to go to 27 European international locations for brief journeys, akin to tourism, enterprise, or household visits. Whereas it supplies freedom to journey inside Europe, getting one will not be straightforward for a lot of African candidates.
The African International locations with the very best rejection charges
In 2023, African candidates confronted a mean rejection charge of 44.8% for Schengen visas. Listed below are the highest 10 international locations with the very best rejection charges:
- Comoros – 61.3%
- Guinea-Bissau – 51.0%
- Ghana – 47.5%
- Mali – 46.1%
- Guinea – 43.7%
- Sudan – 42.3%
- Senegal – 41.2%
- Nigeria – 40.8%
- Burundi – 36.9%
- Mauritania – 36.6%
Documentation issues
Lacking or incomplete paperwork are one of many primary causes for rejection. Candidates should present proof of earnings, journey plans, and insurance coverage, which may be troublesome for some.
Financial considerations
Many African international locations face financial struggles, making embassies fear that candidates won’t return after their journey.
Discrimination
African passports are sometimes seen as much less “reliable,” resulting in stricter scrutiny of functions.
Visa sanctions
Some African nations face extra restrictions on account of strained diplomatic relations or insurance policies penalizing them for migration points.
The impression of excessive rejection charges
For residents of those international locations, excessive rejection charges block entry to worldwide journey, enterprise alternatives, and cultural alternate. This reinforces world inequalities, as folks from wealthier nations face fewer obstacles when touring.
Fixing this subject requires fairer visa insurance policies and higher collaboration between African and European nations. Governments should work to simplify the applying course of, cut back bias, and create alternatives for mutual understanding.
For now, the Schengen visa stays a dream for a lot of, however change is required to make journey accessible to all.