EU visa policy for Africa needs reform

Africans face a high rejection rate for visas to enter the Schengen group of countries. In 2023, the Schengen states generated $906m from visa applications, of which $145m came from rejected visa applications. These refusals in 2023 cost African nationals $61m in application fees. Professor Mehari Maru from the European University Institute and Johns Hopkins University notes a recent report by the British migration consultancy Henley & Partners shows that African countries accounted for seven of the top 10 countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2022. Writing on The Conversation site, Maru says he analysed the EU’s data on visa applications between 2009 and 2023 and found a dramatic increase in the rate of rejection for Schengen visa applicants. 'In 2014, 18% of African visa applications were rejected, while the global rejection rate was 5%. By 2022, the rejection rate for African applicants had risen to 30%, and the global rate increased to 17.5%.' While the increase in visa rejection rates is associated with the EU’s visa policy, Maru says income and ‘passport power’ may explain why African applicants face higher Schengen visa rejection rates. ‘Consequently, it is harder for Africans to travel as their visa applications are more likely to be rejected.’

'According to European states, most rejections are based on reasonable doubts about the visa applicant’s intention to return home. Consular officers consider three key factors through documentation: the stability of the applicant’s socio-economic situation in their country of residence; proof of employment or business activities; and family and community ties.' Says Maru: ‘In my view, this potentially allows discrimination based on nationality and geographical factors. In the Schengen visa regime, proof of intention to return home is often linked to the economic status of applicants and their nationality. With an elastic concept such as this, the Schengen visa regime allows immigration officials in the global south to filter visa applicants based on their economic conditions and country of origin.’ He adds Europe’s poor efforts in improving legal mobility pathways for Africans have left many disillusioned about migration co-operation between Africa and Europe. ‘The few legal avenues available mostly benefit skilled workers from within the European Union.’ In suggesting a way forward, Maru says the EU must reform its visa regime and expand legal migration pathways. ‘But ultimately, the primary responsibility lies with African states. They must create an environment in which their citizens can thrive and prosper within the continent. This includes investing in economic development, job creation, education, healthcare and infrastructure.’ Maru adds: ‘Reforming the Schengen group’s visa policies towards Africa goes beyond just migration management. It is about getting politics right in Europe. If Europe is serious about partnering with Africa and addressing its demand for labour, the benefits of expanding legal pathways for Africans far outweigh the costs.’

Full opinion piece on The Conversation site