NIGERIAN LADY’S VISA DENIAL SPARKS SOCIAL MEDIA OUTCRY, CALLS FOR REFUND POLICY ON REJECTED APPLICATIONS
OPINIONS - Posted on: 12th Nov. 2024 at 12:02AM
By Gbemisola Onigbanjo
A Nigerian woman recently denied a U.S. visa after spending millions of naira on application and processing fees has stirred a social media outcry, as many Nigerians rally around her experience and advocate for a refund policy for unsuccessful applicants.
The woman, who invested substantial financial resources and time preparing for her visa interview, expressed deep disappointment following the denial. In a series of statements, she revealed her frustration, saying, “I feel sad. I could have used my money to buy a car. I’m depressed.” Despite the setback, she remains determined to try again, adding, “I’ll go to that Yankee.”
According to her account, more than 80 applicants were rejected on the same day she was, and out of around 300 people at the interview session, she estimated that only about five were likely to receive approval. This story has resonated with many Nigerians on social media, who shared similar experiences and voiced their support for a refund or compensation system to mitigate the financial impact of rejected applications.
One Twitter user, @81_flacos, suggested that while a full refund might be unlikely, any form of compensation could help ease the frustration of denied applicants. “Even if they won’t refund, at least a compensation of any kind would go a long way. Cos you know how much you’ll spend? At the end, you get denied, and then it feels like a wasted investment,” the user wrote.
Another commenter, @Reggy1960, emphasized the prevalence of visa rejections among Nigerians and called for policy changes, stating, “Nigerian lady cries out after her U.S. VISA got denied after spending millions of naira. This is the story of many Nigerians every year; there should be a refund policy.”
Others voiced stronger criticisms of the visa process. User @MayJaYBaE described the situation as a “scam” and argued that visa application processes exploit applicants from African and other developing regions.
Adding his experience, user @Slevin767025080 recounted witnessing several applicants at the U.S. embassy in Abuja being denied visas in under 30 seconds. “These people were denying folks in under 30 seconds. See Nigerians crying, explaining, and begging. Me I sha got mine, no real questions asked. But that day, I felt sorry for myself being Nigerian. These guys no rate us,” he remarked.
The incident has sparked broader conversations online, with Nigerians urging for reforms to include financial protections and transparency in visa processes. Many argue that a refund or partial compensation system could help alleviate the financial burden on applicants whose applications are unsuccessful, especially given the rising costs involved in pursuing foreign travel opportunities.
By Gbemisola OnigbanjoA Nigerian woman recently denied a U.S. visa after spending millions of naira on application and processing fees has stirred a social media outcry, as many Nigerians rally around her experience and advocate for a refund policy for unsuccessful applicants.
The woman, who invested substantial financial resources and time preparing for her visa interview, expressed deep disappointment following the denial. In a series of statements, she revealed her frustration, saying, “I feel sad. I could have used my money to buy a car. I’m depressed.” Despite the setback, she remains determined to try again, adding, “I’ll go to that Yankee.”
According to her account, more than 80 applicants were rejected on the same day she was, and out of around 300 people at the interview session, she estimated that only about five were likely to receive approval. This story has resonated with many Nigerians on social media, who shared similar experiences and voiced their support for a refund or compensation system to mitigate the financial impact of rejected applications.
One Twitter user, @81_flacos, suggested that while a full refund might be unlikely, any form of compensation could help ease the frustration of denied applicants. “Even if they won’t refund, at least a compensation of any kind would go a long way. Cos you know how much you’ll spend? At the end, you get denied, and then it feels like a wasted investment,” the user wrote.
Another commenter, @Reggy1960, emphasized the prevalence of visa rejections among Nigerians and called for policy changes, stating, “Nigerian lady cries out after her U.S. VISA got denied after spending millions of naira. This is the story of many Nigerians every year; there should be a refund policy.”
Others voiced stronger criticisms of the visa process. User @MayJaYBaE described the situation as a “scam” and argued that visa application processes exploit applicants from African and other developing regions.
Adding his experience, user @Slevin767025080 recounted witnessing several applicants at the U.S. embassy in Abuja being denied visas in under 30 seconds. “These people were denying folks in under 30 seconds. See Nigerians crying, explaining, and begging. Me I sha got mine, no real questions asked. But that day, I felt sorry for myself being Nigerian. These guys no rate us,” he remarked.
The incident has sparked broader conversations online, with Nigerians urging for reforms to include financial protections and transparency in visa processes. Many argue that a refund or partial compensation system could help alleviate the financial burden on applicants whose applications are unsuccessful, especially given the rising costs involved in pursuing foreign travel opportunities.
Posted by: Emdee David
You MUST be logged in to post comment(s)
Comments
No post comments available!
