Boardmembers expressed concern after several special-education teachers resigned amid visa revocations; staff said some visas were rescinded and the district is hiring replacements and exploring other staffing options.

Tourist visas denied based on highly subjective assessments of financial means and intentions to use “return” section of plane ticket.

Indian Travel To US Falls For First Time Since 2001.

As Africans, we need to confront a painful truth: We remain obsessed with travelling to Europe, America and Asia for business conferences, exhibitions and study tours – while overlooking the enormous potential of our own continent. A recent CNN article by Larry Madowo, titled ‘Africans lost nearly US$70 million (N$1.3 billion) to denied visa applications to Europe in 2024’, published on 21 May, revealed how Africans lost millions in non-refundable visa fees last year alone. After weeks of form-filling, biometric queues and costly courier services, many applicants receive a one-line response: Application refused. This isn’t diplomacy – it’s a racket that profits from African ambition. Namibians know this pain. Students, civil servants, and entrepreneurs routinely pay between N$3 500 and N$6 000 for United Kingdom, United States, or Schengen visas, only to be denied without a refund or explanation. Even government-backed delegates to academic forums, cultural festivals or trade missions are often rejected. Meanwhile, citizens from these same countries stroll through Hosea Kutako International Airport visa-free, tour Etosha, clinch deals and fly home. If this is a partnership, it is clearly one-sided.   THE ENEMY WITHIN   Before we point fingers outward, we must confront our internal contradictions. It remains harder for a Kenyan engineer or Nigerian fintech founder to obtain a Namibian business or work permit than it is for a German consultant. African traders trying to cross borders like Beitbridge or Kasumbalesa face more red tape than European tourists. Ministries and chambers of commerce are quick to accept invitations to Berlin, London or Washington – but ignore those from Lusaka, Accra or Kigali. Africans are blocking Africans and then wondering why we remain stagnant. We now have more direct flights from African capitals to Europe and America than to one another. Namibia and Kenya signed an agreement over 30 years ago to establish a direct flight route, yet we’re still waiting while routes to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Doha operate smoothly. It’s often easier and cheaper to fly from Windhoek to Europe than to Nairobi. This reflects poor regional planning, skewed air service agreements and a lack of political will.   DYING TO LEAVE HOME   The tragedy doesn’t end at the embassy. Young Africans desperate to reach Europe continue to die in the Mediterranean Sea. These are not merely economic migrants, they are victims of a system that has failed to give them hope at home. Each body that washes ashore tells a story of ambition unfulfilled, of talent wasted, of dreams denied. What if we built here what they are dying to find abroad? RECLAIMING OUR DIGNITY   The African Continental Free Trade Area promises to unlock US$450 billion in additional gross domestic product by 2035. But that vision will not be realised if we continue measuring success by how often we travel abroad. Going overseas is not wrong but being denied a visa should not feel like the end of the world. If a foreign embassy says you’re not welcome, believe them. Stop chasing validation. Instead, reinvest your time, money, and talent in Windhoek, Nairobi, Harare or Lagos where your presence matters and your dignity remains intact. Namibia can lead the way. We must adopt reciprocal visa rules for countries with high rejection rates, demand transparency from foreign embassies and prioritise easing visa and work permit rules for fellow Africans. Redirect public and corporate travel budgets to African destinations. Let students attend forums in Addis Ababa, entrepreneurs pitch ideas in Kampala, and officials meet in Harare before heading to London.   CHOOSE AFRICA FIRST   When heads of state, ministers, chief executives and university leaders choose African cities over foreign capitals for meetings and projects, airlines will adjust routes, and investors will follow. The change begins at the top. To the West: Cooperation is welcome. Condescension is not. If you continue taking our money while shutting your doors, do not expect red carpets in return. Friendship must be mutual. Respect must be earned. Africa’s dignity is not for sale – not at US$185 (approximately N$3 280.87) a visa.   – Elvis Mboya is president of the Namibia-Kenya Chamber of Commerce and a former journalist in Namibia and Kenya. The post Stop Chasing the West, Build Africa First appeared first on The Namibian.

African nations have pinned big hopes on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a historic agreement designed to boost intra-African trade… The post Visa Queues, Pricey Flights, and Politics: Influencer Charmaine Unpacks Why Africa’s Free Trade Isn’t Free appeared first on Shine My Crown.