Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Visa Issues: Global South Nationals Face Travel Restrictions
Imagine important meetings about climate change and health, but some people who are most affected can't go.
People from countries in the Global South often struggle to get visas to attend these events.
One student, Roaa, planned to speak at a climate conference but was denied a visa.
This is happening often, costing money and leaving many voices unheard.
Some believe this is due to stricter rules and anti-immigrant views, while international bodies try to help.
Conferences should work to make it easier for everyone to participate.
Global South nationals face visa challenges, hindering their participation in international conferences.
Roaa, a Sudanese climate activist, was denied a visa for a UN climate conference, despite preparations.
Africans spent 60 million euros on rejected Schengen visa applications in 2024.
Visa rejections disproportionately affect those from nations most vulnerable to climate change.
Advocates suggest conference organizers collaborate to ease visa approvals.
- Who
- Nationals from the Global South, including activists and students, and conference organizers.
- What
- Visa restrictions limit participation of Global South nationals in international conferences.
- When
- Ongoing, with increasing rejection rates in recent years.
- Where
- Primarily impacting conferences in Europe and the US.
- Why
- Stricter border policies and potential anti-immigrant sentiment limit representation from affected regions.
Advocates
Governments
Representation
Advocates
Global South voices are critical and underrepresented.
Governments
Visa processes must ensure security, and verify the intentions of the applicant
Visa policy
Advocates
Visa processes should be adjusted to reduce hurdles and promote inclusion for all.
Governments
Current visa processes are necessary to ensure that applicants plan to return to their home countries
- Applicant
- Roaa, a Sudanese climate activist
- Visa Application Cost
- Hundreds of dollars
- Rejection Time
- Less than 48 hours
- African Schengen Visa Rejections (2024)
- 60 million euros
- Conference locations
- Europe, USA