Over 700 000 Africans’ Schengen visa applications rejected in 2023
The EU raked in billions of Euros from rejected visas from African nationals in 2023, including R 15.7 million from South Africans.
Last year the European Union (EU) generated €56.3 million (R 1.1 billion) from rejected visa applications from African nationals. South Africans are included in this.
Since South African nationals require visas to enter the Schengen Area, South African passport holders must apply for Schengen visas prior to travel.
REJECTED VISA APPLICATIONS
Collectively, Africans paid €56.3 (R 1.1 billion) in non-refundable application fees for Schengen visa applications that were rejected in 2023.
Historically, Africans have been among the top Schengen visa applicants.
Besides, lodging the most Schengen visa applications, Africans also happen to be the most rejected applicants.
HIGH REJECTION RATE
According to data from Schengen Visa Statistics, in 2023, African nationals received 704 000 visa rejections.
Africa accounted for 43.1% of the total amount generated by rejected applications in 2023.
According to Travel News, this is an increase from the previous year’s amount of €49.9 million (R1 billion) received from 624 344 rejected visa applications from African countries in 2022, as recorded by the European Commission.
A study by the LAGO Collective, a UK-based community of researchers and policymakers, found that the 2023 total rejected visas generated €130 million (R2,3 billion), from the 2022 figure of €105 million (R2,1 billion).
REJECTED APPLICATIONS FROM AFRICAN NATIONS
This means that €56.3 million (R 1.1 billion) was simply wasted since Schengen visa application fees are not refundable.
The Africa.co.za reports that South African nationals contributed €776 880 (R15.7 million) to the amount collected from rejected Schengen visa applications.
Algeria was the most rejected African country, accounting for €13.2 million (R264 million) of the total.
REVERSE REMITTANCES
The number of rejected Schengen visa applications each year results in Africans losing hard-earned cash.
Furthermore, fees from rejected Schengen visa applications result in gains for the EU countries.
Schengen News reports that the funds from rejected visa applications, known as reverse remittances, benefit the EU countries.
SCHENGEN VISAS
A Schengen visa is a travel permit issued by Schengen Area states, permitting nationals from third-country states to enter the Schengen Area for short-term purposes, such as tourism or business trips.
The Schengen visa holder can visit all 29 Schengen countries and stay for periods of up to 90 days.
Although a costly visa to obtain, the Schengen visa is an attractive permit to travellers since it allows entry to many states.
INCREASED SCHENGEN VISA FEES
Schengen visa fees have also just increased. This makes these visas even more costly for African nationals.
Africa.com says the cost of short-term visas has just risen by 12.5 percent.
On 11 June the EU raised the cost of these visas to € 90 (R 1800).
Furthermore, this excludes the fees levied by agents hired by consulates to handle these applications.