French Consulates Accused of Profiting from Rejected Algerian Visa Applications

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 22nd, 2024 — A parliamentary inquiry in France has revealed startling details about the financial gains accrued by French consulates in Algeria through rejected visa applications. These profits, amounting to €13 million (approximately 575 billion Algerian dinars), have sparked outrage and raised questions about both the fairness of visa policies and the handling of applicants’ personal data.

An Alarming Trend of Rejections

The inquiry, led by Nadège Abou Mangoli, a member of the French National Assembly from the La France Insoumise party, highlights the disproportionate impact of France’s visa policies on African nations. According to Abou Mangoli, the high rejection rates, especially for short-stay Schengen visas, force applicants to endure extensive paperwork and financial burdens without reimbursement for rejected applications.

In 2023, African nationals accounted for a staggering 704,000 visa rejections, representing 41.3% of global refusals by French consulates. Among these, Algerians topped the list, with rejected applications collectively costing €13 million in processing fees, followed by Moroccans at €11 million and Egyptians at €3.75 million.

A Lucrative System?

The financial strain on applicants is compounded by recent increases in visa fees. Effective June 2024, the cost of a short-stay Schengen visa rose by 12.5%, further intensifying the burden on applicants from economically vulnerable regions. A study by a European visa news platform estimated that African applicants collectively spent €56 million on unsuccessful applications.

This practice has drawn sharp criticism, with accusations that France’s visa system exploits applicants under the guise of administrative processing.

Privacy Concerns Add to Controversy

Beyond financial exploitation, concerns about data privacy have also been raised. The visa application process requires a vast amount of personal information, much of which is processed by third-party companies contracted by French consulates. Abou Mangoli pointed out the lack of transparency in how this data is stored and utilized, particularly after an application is rejected.

These concerns are compounded by questions surrounding the justification for visa rejections. French consulates frequently cite doubts about the applicant’s intention to return to their home country after their visa expires, a claim critics argue is often speculative and lacks concrete evidence.

Calls for Accountability

In her inquiry, Abou Mangoli demanded explanations from France’s Minister of the Interior regarding the high rejection rates and the opaque handling of personal data. She also called for clear criteria to assess applicants’ intentions, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency in the visa application process.

A Strained Relationship

The revelations have added strain to Franco-Algerian relations, with many perceiving the visa policies as emblematic of broader inequities in the relationship between France and its former colonies. For many Algerians, the financial and emotional toll of visa rejections reflects a deeper disregard for mutual respect and partnership.

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