Abike Dabiri Erewa
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, has indeed advocated for refunding visa fees to unsuccessful applicants. This demand is part of a broader discussion about the financial burden imposed on visa applicants, particularly Nigerians.
The issue stems from the fact that many Nigerians spend over N75 billion annually on non-refundable visa application fees, with over 60% of applications being denied. This has led to calls for embassies to refund fees for rejected applications or implement more applicant-friendly policies. A suggested solution is to charge an administrative fee of around 10% and refund the balance, reducing the financial burden on applicants.
The financial impact of rejected visa applications is significant. Nigerians lost substantial amounts to rejected visa applications, including N21.5 billion for US visa applications and N13.3 billion for UK visa applications annually. This issue isn’t unique to Nigeria; African applicants face high rejection rates and substantial financial losses. For instance, the EU collected approximately €130 million from rejected visa applications in 2023, and the UK raised about £44 million.
African leaders, including Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, are pushing for refunds and reciprocal visa policies, citing economic injustice and systemic bias. They argue that the current system disproportionately affects African citizens, who often face stricter requirements and higher fees compared to applicants from other regions.
Dabiri-Erewa’s advocacy efforts aim to reduce the financial burden on Nigerian travelers and promote fairness in visa application processes. By pushing for refunds or more applicant-friendly policies, she hopes to create a more equitable system for Nigerians seeking to travel abroad. The outcome of this advocacy remains to be seen, but it highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to visa application processes that balances national security concerns with the needs of legitimate travelers.
