Latest news with #Schengen
Business Insider
an hour ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Cameroonian sued France over denied Schengen visa, won €1,200 in compensation
Jean Mboulè, a Cameroonian won a landmark legal case against France after his Schengen visa application was rejected on questionable grounds. Jean Mboulè, a Cameroonian, won a legal case against France after his Schengen visa application was unjustly rejected. Despite his rejection, Mboulè successfully contested the decision in French courts, receiving compensation and his visa. In 2024, African applicants collectively lost €60 million in non-refundable Schengen visa fees, with prices recently increased further. Jean Mboulè, a Cameroonian won a landmark legal case against France after his Schengen visa application was rejected on questionable grounds. Mboulè's experience has brought renewed attention to long-standing frustrations among African travellers over what many view as discriminatory and opaque visa policies enforced by European countries. Visa rejection despite stronger credentials Mboulè, who was born in France, had applied for the visa alongside his wife, a South African citizen, according to a report by CNN. Though she was unemployed at the time and had no personal income, she received a visa based on Mboulè's financial documents. His application, however, was rejected. 'The embassy said they refused my application because my documents were fake, and they weren't sure I would come back to South Africa, where I am a permanent resident," Mboulè said. The 39-year-old regional executive took legal action in French courts and won, forcing the French embassy in Johannesburg to grant his visa and pay him a fine of 1,200 euros. After he got the visa, he chose to go to Mauritius instead as he didn't want to spend his money in France. But even after he got the visa, he chose to go to Mauritius instead as he didn't want to spend his money in France. Millions lost to Schengen Visa rejections. The Cameroonian's case is unique as many Africans denied Schengen visas rarely appeal or contest the decisions in court. Instead, applicants often reapply, incurring additional costs in the process. In 2024 alone, African applicants lost nearly €60 million ($67.5 million) in non-refundable Schengen visa fees, according to data from the LAGO Collective, a London-based research group tracking global mobility. 'The financial cost of rejected visas is just staggering; you can think of them as 'reverse remittances,' money flowing from poor to rich countries, which we never hear about,' the LAGO Collective's Foresti says.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
German customs to assist police with border controls
German customs officers have been called in to help police cope with stricter checks on the borders aimed at turning back migrants attempting to enter the country irregularly, a Finance Ministry spokeswoman told dpa on Friday. The request was being evaluated, the spokeswoman said. Customs falls under the Finance Ministry. Hours after taking office on May 6, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt imposed stricter border checks, instructing that all asylum seekers should be turned back. The measures do not apply to pregnant women, children or other vulnerable people. The GdP police union said that these stricter controls could be maintained only for a few weeks, but Dobrindt rejected this. Germany's federal police force is responsible for the country's borders. The customs office has been supporting police along the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland since mid-October 2023. The arrangement was extended to all borders from mid-September. The customs spokeswoman added: "A further increase in support for the federal police from customs should not be allowed to jeopardize statutory duties in other areas of customs, for example, airports and seaports." Interior minister defends stricter border controls Dobrindt on Friday defended the stricter border controls on his first visit to Prague since taking office. "Germany has a strong magnetic effect on illegal migration in the world," Dobrindt said, calling for this to be reduced and the numbers of migrants brought down. He acknowledged the greater burden on police, but said the checks were having an effect. Germany and the Czech Republic share a border of more than 800 kilometres. Both countries are members of the Schengen free travel area. Dobrindt said a pan-European solution was required, and said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition, which took office at the beginning of the month, would no longer hold back in Brussels when it came to taking joint measures against irregular migration. Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan called for a rapid return to Schengen rules on freedom of travel. The Prague government saw the current German measures as an "exceptional situation," he said. Rakušan said he had agreed with Dobrindt that the new checks would be re-evaluated after a month at the beginning of June. According to the Prague government, transit through the country is at a five-year low, with most rejections at the German border affecting Ukrainians with right of residence in the Czech Republic but not elsewhere in Europe. Migrants from countries like Syria were now the exception, he said. Many Czechs commute across the border for work in Germany.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
German interior minister defends stricter border controls in Prague
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Friday defended stricter border controls on his first visit to Prague since taking office. "Germany has a strong magnetic effect on illegal migration in the world," Dobrindt said, calling for this to be reduced and the numbers of migrants brought down. He acknowledged the greater burden on police, but said the checks were having an effect. Customs officers were being asked for support, in addition, and spot checks were being used at smaller border crossings. Germany and the Czech Republic share a border of more than 800 kilometres. Both countries are members of the Schengen free travel area. Dobrindt said a pan-European solution was required, and said Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition, which took office at the beginning of the month, would no longer hold back in Brussels when it came to taking joint measures against illegal migration. Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan called for a rapid return to Schengen rules on freedom of travel. The Prague government saw the current German measures as an "exceptional situation," he said. Rakušan said he had agreed with Dobrindt that the new checks would be re-evaluated after a month at the beginning of June. According to the Prague government, transit through the country is at a five-year low, with most rejections at the German border affecting Ukrainians with right of residence in the Czech Republic but not elsewhere in Europe. Migrants from countries like Syria were now the exception, he said. Many Czechs commute across the border for work in Germany. Hours after taking office on May 6, Dobrindt imposed stricter border controls, instructing that all asylum seekers should be turned back. The measures do not apply to pregnant women, children or other vulnerable people.
Business Insider
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Cameroonian sues France over denied Schengen visa, wins €1,200 in compensation
Jean Mboulè, a Cameroonian won a landmark legal case against France after his Schengen visa application was rejected on questionable grounds. Jean Mboulè, a Cameroonian, won a legal case against France after his Schengen visa application was unjustly rejected. Despite his rejection, Mboulè successfully contested the decision in French courts, receiving compensation and his visa. In 2024, African applicants collectively lost €60 million in non-refundable Schengen visa fees, with prices recently increased further. Jean Mboulè, a Cameroonian won a landmark legal case against France after his Schengen visa application was rejected on questionable grounds. Mboulè's experience has brought renewed attention to long-standing frustrations among African travellers over what many view as discriminatory and opaque visa policies enforced by European countries. Visa rejection despite stronger credentials Mboulè, who was born in France, had applied for the visa alongside his wife, a South African citizen, according to a report by CNN. Though she was unemployed at the time and had no personal income, she received a visa based on Mboulè's financial documents. His application, however, was rejected. 'The embassy said they refused my application because my documents were fake, and they weren't sure I would come back to South Africa, where I am a permanent resident," Mboulè said. The 39-year-old regional executive took legal action in French courts and won, forcing the French embassy in Johannesburg to grant his visa and pay him a fine of 1,200 euros. After he got the visa, he chose to go to Mauritius instead as he didn't want to spend his money in France. But even after he got the visa, he chose to go to Mauritius instead as he didn't want to spend his money in France. Millions lost to Schengen Visa rejections. The Cameroonian's case is unique as many Africans denied Schengen visas rarely appeal or contest the decisions in court. Instead, applicants often reapply, incurring additional costs in the process. In 2024 alone, African applicants lost nearly €60 million ($67.5 million) in non-refundable Schengen visa fees, according to data from the LAGO Collective, a London-based research group tracking global mobility. 'The financial cost of rejected visas is just staggering; you can think of them as 'reverse remittances,' money flowing from poor to rich countries, which we never hear about,' the LAGO Collective's Foresti says.
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street VISA TRAP Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money, while ETIAS is not yet available. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A number of fake ETIAS websites are catching out travellers Credit: Alamy The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' passport details, personal information and even payment information. Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through security checks. They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives When ETIAS is active, it will cost about €7 (£5.89) and remain valid for up to three years - or until and individuals' passport nears expiration. Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries. [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. How to avoid scams, according to warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Brits also book holiday based on 'fake' reviews – but can you spot hidden imposter in the pictures? Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street.
