A new report has revealed that the European Union (EU) collected approximately €56 million in visa application fees from African citizens whose requests were rejected in 2023. This amount, which represents 43% of the global total from rejected Schengen visa applications, has raised concerns about the growing economic disparity between Africa and Europe.
In 2023, thousands of Africans applied for Schengen visas to travel to EU countries, paying mandatory non-refundable application fees. Despite the high rejection rates, these applicants still had to bear the costs. Critics argue that this practice raises ethical concerns, particularly in light of the EU’s development partnerships with African countries, aimed at providing humanitarian aid and infrastructure support.
The €56 million raised from rejected visa applications is seen by many as a major revenue stream for the EU. This income comes from applicants who, despite not being granted a visa, are unable to recover their application fees. The figures are troubling for some observers who question the fairness of a system where Africans pay substantial amounts for visa applications, only for a significant portion of that money to be returned to the continent as conditional support or aid.
The report’s findings have sparked criticism over what analysts describe as a growing economic imbalance between the EU and Africa. The EU continues to portray itself as a key development partner for Africa, with initiatives such as a €5.4 million humanitarian aid package in 2024 aimed at alleviating the effects of devastating floods in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. However, critics argue that the EU’s revenue from rejected visa applications undermines the spirit of these initiatives.
“This is one of the most profitable intercontinental business models in modern times,” said an international relations expert. “Africans are essentially paying into a system that systematically denies them access to the EU, only for a portion of that money to be recycled back as aid often with strings attached.”
The practice has led to calls for greater transparency in the visa processing system. Analysts are urging the EU to reconsider the current fee structure, particularly for countries with high rejection rates. They also suggest that African governments need to push for fairer migration policies and invest in local opportunities to reduce the need for citizens to seek travel opportunities abroad.
Currently, the fee for a short-stay Schengen visa is €80 per applicant, and the payment is non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is granted or rejected. The EU has defended this fee, stating that it is necessary to cover administrative costs and maintain the integrity of the Schengen area. However, the growing discontent surrounding the issue raises questions about whether the EU is fully acknowledging the financial burden it places on African applicants.
As the EU continues to focus on its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, the issue of visa application fees and rejections remains a contentious topic. The revenue generated from rejected visa applications by Africans is seen as both a symbol of economic imbalance and an opportunity for the EU to review its approach to migration and fairness in visa policies.
