On Friday, May 23, 2025, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema demanded that the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) refund visa application fees for Zambian citizens whose applications are rejected. The announcement addresses the financial burden faced by many Zambians, who often pay substantial fees for visa applications—used for tourism, business, or education—only to face frequent rejections.
Hichilema argued that charging fees for unsuccessful visa applications is unfair, as applicants are left with no recourse after paying for administrative processes that result in denial. “Our people should not lose hard-earned money when their visa requests are turned down, often without transparent reasons,” he said, according to Block TV. He proposed that fees should only apply to successful applications, urging the EU and UK to adopt a refund system for rejections.
The demand has sparked debate about the fairness of international visa policies. The UK’s current immigration and nationality refund policy generally does not cover rejected visa applications, while the EU’s position on fee refunds remains ambiguous. Hichilema’s call could push for broader discussions on reforming visa fee structures.
Reactions to the proposal are mixed. Supporters view it as a step toward equitable travel policies, particularly for citizens of developing nations. Critics, however, question its practicality, citing the administrative complexities of implementing refunds. The Zambian government has yet to detail its strategy for engaging EU and UK authorities on this issue, leaving the outcome uncertain as global conversations on visa fairness continue.
