We are very
much concerned about how certain embassies both in Banjul and Dakar accredited
to The Gambia treat genuine Gambian visaapplicants.
While we are not trying to interferer with the work of the embassies, especially their consular sections, it is our responsibility to speak out for the victims, who were genuine visa applicants rejected either in Banjul or Dakar.
Applicants who are genuine travelers, who fulfill all the criteria, should not be denied a visa at all, and we feel Gambians should be treated with fairness like any other applicants in the sub-region intending to travel to either Europe or the US.
Migration in any form has become a global phenomenon, and those wishing to travel on legitimate business and having the ability to pay for such trips should not be denied a visa.
What is even more disheartening is the fact that even Gambians who were recommended by our hospitals for overseas treatment, do have their visa applications denied even after they show proof of a sponsor.
Sadly, as a result of the rejection of the visa applications in Dakar or Banjul, some of these patients died without getting the overseas treatment sought.
Like we stated before, we know we cannot dictate the visa application process of any country and, in fact, we are not trying to do so.
What we are calling for is fair treatment for Gambians intending to travel abroad.
