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| President Hakainde Hichilema speaking about visa fee refunds |
When costs rise, dreams stall. On May 23, 2025, Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema asked the EU and UK to refund visa fees to all rejected Zambian applicants . He said charging any fee for denials creates unfair hurdles for tourism, business, and study trips .
Hichilema argued rejected applicants pay heavy sums for processes that end in refusal. He called for a change: only charge fees for accepted visas . “Our citizens should not lose money when they fail to get entry,” he said.
Across Europe, visa rules vary. In the UK, application fees stay with the Home Office even when a visa is refused. Official policy says no refund on refusals, as fees cover processing costs . The policy lets the Home Office keep every pound, even when they reject someone.
In the EU’s Schengen zone, member states also keep fees on refusals. The fee pays for examining each file, not for approval. Guidance from EU bodies notes refunds happen only in rare cases, like clear technical failures .
Some experts back Hichilema’s view. Dr. Anne Roberts, a travel policy scholar, says non-refundable fees hurt poorer nations most. She notes African applicants face higher refusal rates, making costs a barrier to global mobility. That deepens inequality in study and business opportunities. Others worry the change could slow down consular work and raise costs for all.
Many Zambians say the fees strain family budgets. Miriam, a law student, lost $100 on a refused UK student visa. She plans to reapply, but must save weeks for the fee again. Such stories fuel support for the call.
Critics say shifting costs back to EU and UK taxpayers may spark a feud. They warn it could slow visa processing and add bureaucracy. But supporters note other countries, like Canada, offer partial refunds if decisions hit set deadlines. They say this model could balance fairness and efficiency.
Zambia’s government has yet to map out talks with EU and UK bodies. Hichilema’s demand could lead to formal talks in Brussels or London. If it gains traction, it may reshape global visa norms.
As this debate grows, one thing is clear: cost and access to travel remain central in global ties. Hichilema’s stance shines a spotlight on fairness in visa systems—and may spark wider change.