Zambian President Hichilema demands Visa fee refunds from EU, UK for rejected applicants
Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema has called on the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) to begin refunding visa application fees for every Zambian citizen whose application is rejected.
The demand, made public on Friday, May 23, 2025, underscores concerns about the financial burden placed on Zambians seeking visas for tourism, business, or educational purposes, many of whom face frequent denials despite paying substantial non-refundable fees.
President Hichilema argued that visa charges should only apply to successful applications and described it as “unacceptable” for citizens to lose significant amounts of money without receiving clear reasons for rejection.
“Our people should not bear the financial weight of opaque administrative decisions that deny them entry,” he said, urging a more transparent and just system that includes fee refunds for unsuccessful applicants.
The proposal has sparked debate, with some backing it as a push for fairness in global travel policies, while others question its practicality.
While the UK maintains specific refund rules for certain immigration cases, it typically does not return fees for visa refusals. The EU’s position on such refunds remains uncertain.
As the issue gains traction, the Zambian government has yet to announce its diplomatic strategy to press the EU and UK on the matter.
