Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) to refund visa application fees for all Zambians whose visa requests are denied.
Addressing growing public frustration over high visa fees and frequent rejections, President Hichilema said visa charges should only apply to successful applications. He described the current system, where applicants are required to pay significant sums only to be refused entry, as exploitative.
“It is unacceptable that our citizens lose significant sums of money on unsuccessful applications,” he said. “Rejected applicants should not bear the cost of administrative processes that ultimately deny them entry.”
The president’s comments have stirred debate across the continent, with many commending him for confronting what they view as an unjust global travel system. Visa fees for countries such as the UK can range from £100 to over £500, depending on the category, with refunds typically not offered if applications are denied.
Though the UK Home Office provides limited refunds in cases of withdrawal or duplication, standard tourist and business visa fees are non-refundable. The EU, under current Schengen rules, also maintains a no-refund stance on rejected applications.
President Hichilema’s demand adds pressure to an ongoing conversation about the fairness of visa systems and travel equity for Africans. While the Zambian government has not outlined a clear diplomatic roadmap, the president’s remarks are being seen as a rare act of advocacy for African mobility rights.
Reactions to the demand have been mixed, with some describing it as a necessary step towards travel justice, while others question its feasibility and the likelihood of international compliance.
As it stands, neither the EU nor the UK has responded officially to Zambia’s request.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
