Embassies in developing countries under fire for stringent immigration rules exploiting travelers

The IRMN’s report titled “Gatekeepers of Mobility: How Stringent Immigration Rules Exploit Travelers” draws on data collected from visa applicants, immigration lawyers, and embassy insiders over a 12-month period. It points to a troubling trend where embassies have implemented complex application processes that require excessive documentation, non-refundable application fees, and an opaque decision-making process.

Key findings from the report highlight several critical issues:

• High Fees and Non-Transparency: Many embassies charge exorbitant visa application fees that are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. These fees often represent a significant financial burden for individuals from developing countries. Additionally, there is a lack of transparency in how decisions are made, with many applicants receiving little to no explanation when their visas are denied.
• Inconsistent Requirements: The investigation found that requirements for visas could vary significantly without clear reasons, even within the same country. This inconsistency makes it difficult for travelers to adequately prepare their applications, leading to higher rates of denial for technical reasons.
• Exploitative Practices: In some cases, third-party agencies contracted by embassies to handle visa applications have been found to charge additional fees for mandatory appointment bookings, document checking services, and even “expedited processing” options, further exploiting those in need of visas.
• Economic and Social Impact: The restrictive visa policies not only limit personal and professional opportunities for individuals but also have broader economic and social impacts on the sending countries. Families are often separated, and professional opportunities are lost due to these prohibitive barriers.

IRMN’s report includes several testimonials from affected individuals. One account is from Nia Sulaiman, a Tanzanian student who applied for a study visa in the United Kingdom: “After saving for months to pay the application fee, I was denied without any clear reasoning. The fee was nearly equivalent to two months’ worth of wages for my family, and it was non-refundable. I had no recourse and felt utterly powerless.”

In response to these findings, the IRMN is calling for international oversight and the establishment of standard practices for visa processing across embassies worldwide. They recommend the implementation of clearer guidelines, transparency in the decision-making process, and a review mechanism for applicants denied visas.

The report has sparked considerable debate among policymakers, immigration experts, and human rights advocates, pushing for reforms to ensure fair and humane treatment of visa applicants. As this issue gains international attention, there is a growing consensus that change is necessary to prevent exploitation and ensure that global mobility is accessible to all, regardless of their economic background.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | World.