visa

When a diploma isn’t the barrier — a passport is Mustaf Moha­­med Takoy had done everything right. He won a full scholarship to study a master’s in Environment and International Development at the University of Copenhagen, bought health insurance, secured an acceptance letter and packed the hope of a better future. Then Denmark’s immigration service told him that his Somali passport was not a valid travel document — and that was that. Mustaf’s story, relayed in a short but stark exchange with Danish authorities, speaks to…

Turnabout in U.S. Visa Policy: A New Chapter for Ghana In a significant diplomatic shift, the Ghanaian government joyously announced the reversal of U.S. visa restrictions, a decision hailed as a triumph for relations between the two nations. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) during the bustling backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana's international standing. A Step Toward Enhanced Mobility "Ghanaians can now be eligible for five-year…

The U.S. Takes a Stand Against Corruption in Nigeria In a bold move signaling its commitment to tackling global corruption, the U.S. mission in Nigeria recently announced that government officials found guilty of corruption will face a significant consequence: denial of U.S. visas. With a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the mission made clear that "fighting corruption knows no borders." This statement resonates deeply in a country where the scars of corruption run deep, casting a long shadow over…

Burkina Faso's Bold Move: Visa-Free Travel for African Citizens In a significant stride towards Pan-African integration, Burkina Faso has announced the elimination of visa fees for all African travelers. This refreshing decision, articulated by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, aims to foster the free movement of people and goods across the continent—a dream long cherished by many as a pillar of the African Union's agenda. The Vision Behind the Decision Burkina Faso's new policy envisions a continent less shackled by…

Embassy Shift: The Implications of the U.S. Visa Suspension in Zimbabwe In a poignant reminder of the intricacies of international diplomacy and the growing concern over security, the United States Embassy in Harare has abruptly halted all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services. This decision, driven by national security and public safety considerations, underscores the delicate balance governments must maintain between welcoming international visitors and protecting their own citizens. As the world watches, this…

Italy Justifies Visa Suspension in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Italy has staunchly defended its recent decision to cease issuing visas in Somalia, attributing the hold-up to 'administrative issues' that are currently being sorted out by officials in an effort to bring stability back to the process. Pier Mario Dacco Coppi, Italy's ambassador to Somalia, dismissed rumors that the visa halt was linked to the shifting political scene in Somalia—a country building new alliances amid sovereignty concerns related to Ethiopia.…

Over the last ten years, the Somali passport has clawed back some of its lost prestige, moving up the ranks from a dismal 128th to a more respectable 95th on the Passport Power Index. However, challenges linger around how this document is distributed and its perception on the global stage.

Aida Diarra, the bigwig behind Visa’s Sub-Saharan Africa division, couldn’t contain her excitement about the business tie-up. “Teaming up with UNDP Somalia lights us up as we aim to bring the digital age and financial services to every nook and cranny of the region. With our smarts in digital payments, we want to give Somali small business folks and underserved communities a real shot at economic strength and sustainable living," Diarra shared with palpable enthusiasm. Lionel Laurens, the go-to persona at UNDP Somalia, shed…

US slaps extra Somalis with visa restrictions for undermining democratic course of WASHINGTON- The United States continued to demand widespread sense in Somalia's home politics, following the Horn of Africa nation's failure to conclude Lower House elections inside the agreed time-frame, which additional delayed the presidential elections. Somalia was purported to conclude elections on March 15,…

US announces visa restrictions for Ethiopian and Eritrean officials over Tigray conflict WASHINGTON - An unspecified number of officials from Eritrea and Ethiopia will not be able to obtain visas for the United States over what Washington links to atrocities committed in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, in a war that has left thousands dead, according to unverified reports. Since November 2020,…