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EU Raises Schengen Visa Fees for Nigerians Amid Economic Hardships

EU Hikes Schengen Visa Fees for Nigerians Amid Economic Crisis

The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has announced that from June 11, 2024, Nigerians and other third-country nationals will face higher fees for Schengen visas. This change comes as Nigeria grapples with severe inflation and a depreciating naira, despite efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s government to stabilize the economy.

According to the ministry’s statement, the visa fee for adults applying for a short-term visa to Slovenia will increase from €80 to €90. For children aged six to 12, the fee will rise from €40 to €45. This adjustment is part of a broader European Commission decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa fees worldwide by 12 percent.

In 2023, 737,715 Nigerians applied for Schengen visas, with 58 percent of these applications being approved. The total expenditure on visa fees by Nigerians last year amounted to €59,017,200. With the new fee structure, this figure is expected to rise to €66,099,264, an increase of €7,082,064.

Nigeria’s inflation rate has surged, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a headline inflation rate of 33.69 percent in April, up from 33.20 percent in March 2024. This economic strain has led many Nigerians studying abroad to abandon their education, according to a study by Studyportals, which noted a significant decline in interest in studying abroad starting at the end of 2023 and continuing into early 2024.

In 2023, Schengen countries denied visas to 304,800 Nigerians, resulting in a financial loss of €24,384,000 in visa fees. With the new fee structure, similar rejections in 2024 could cost Nigerians an estimated €27,310,080.

Additionally, nationals from countries that do not cooperate with the EU on readmission of irregular migrants will face even higher fees, potentially paying €135 or €180 depending on the EU Council’s decision.

The European Union’s Commission is expected to publish the new fee regulations in its Official Journal by the end of the week, following a 36.3 percent increase in visa issuance in 2023 compared to 2022, though still 39 percent below 2019 levels when Schengen states received 16 million applications.

Nwadiogbu S.G Chinedu

Nwadiogbu S.G Chinedu is a graduate of Physics and Astronomy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In addition to his academic background, he is a skilled digital marketer, content creator, and image maker, helping both brands and individuals enhance their visibility and tell compelling stories. His expertise spans across various digital platforms, where he crafts engaging content and leverages marketing strategies to drive growth. Chinedu is passionate about creative expression and enjoys blogging, traveling, and meeting new people. His diverse interests fuel his work, allowing him to connect with a wide audience and bring fresh perspectives to everything he does.

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