Shut Out: How Visa Denials Undermine Refugee Leaders Advocacy for Children in Crisis

“No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.” – This poignant quote by Somali-British poet Warsan Shire encapsulates the harsh reality that many refugees endure. Leaving home was not an easy choice, and neither should we feel stuck in our adopted home.

As a refugee and an advocate for children and families affected by crises, I’ve experienced firsthand the difficulties of navigating visa applications. This blog post seeks to shed light on these challenges and advocate for a more inclusive approach when making visa decisions for refugees.

My recent visa application for travel to the United Kingdom was unfortunately denied. The process revealed several challenges related to my refugee status, the financial evidence I was required to provide, and doubts about my purpose for travel. These challenges are part of a larger issue that refugees face when attempting to attend meetings, assume leadership roles, and contribute to global efforts in advocacy, policy development, and humanitarian support.

Economic Ties and Financial Support: A Misunderstanding

One of the primary concerns raised during my visa application process was the question of my financial stability. The online visa system requested that I specify how much I spend monthly. I entered 1,500,000 UGX (approximately £324), which is the amount I typically spend each month. The system then asked how much I planned to spend for the UK trip specifically, and I stated that I planned to spend 200,000 UGX, which would cover my transport to Entebbe Airport for both the outbound and return trips.

The rest of my travel expenses were to be covered by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), as demonstrated in the documents I provided. Despite this, the visa decision stated that the documents did not clearly demonstrate how I was financially supported and questioned whether the proposed financial outlay for my trip was realistic and credible. This situation highlights a fundamental problem in how visa authorities interpret and assess financial documentation, especially for refugees who rely on external support organizations for assistance.

The Question of My Purpose: Misjudging the Situation

Another issue raised in the visa decision was the concern about my purpose for visiting the UK. The decision stated that the authorities were doubtful of my intent to travel because I had not attended any committee meetings in third countries. In truth, I am a new member of the Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) steering committee and was stepping into the role of incoming co chair. This was my first meeting that required me to travel to a third country for such a purpose. The decision’s dismissal of my role in the MMA made me realize how important it is for authorities to fully understand the context of an applicant’s involvement in international organizations.

The Broader Impact: A Barrier to Advocacy and Representation

The denial of my visa has had a profound impact, not only on my ability to travel but also on my responsibilities within and through the MMA. It means missed opportunities to represent the needs, perspectives, and challenges of children at crucial meetings, which can result in policies that do not prioritize their welfare. The absence of refugee and local leaders in international discussions reduces our influence on policymaking, potentially leading to decisions that overlook the best interests of children in crisis. This situation also has an emotional impact on us and the communities we serve, further exacerbating trauma. This decision, a disheartening setback, feels like a barrier placed directly in the way of my advocacy efforts, my contributions to global refugee discourse, and my ability to fulfill a role that could bring about meaningful change for displaced people and families.

Moreso, the rationale for the denial overlooks the larger picture, which is that refugees often have limited financial independence but still have critical roles to play in global advocacy. You can read more about these challenges in reports from organizations like the Refugee Council and UNHCR which highlight the impact of financial barriers on refugee mobility and participation. To understand more about the importance of inclusive visa policies for refugees, I recommend reading articles from sources like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Economic Forum, which discuss the need for policy changes that allow refugees to contribute fully to society. This gap in understanding the nature of refugee involvement in international affairs is something I have seen reflected in broader discussions around refugee mobility, as reported by The Guardian. It is crucial that refugees are seen for the contributions they are making, rather than only through the lens of their displacement.

A Call for Change: Recognizing the Value of Refugee Contributions

This experience, combined with my previous visa refusal to Belgium, reinforces a crucial point: the visa application system does not adequately account for the realities of refugee life. Authorities must look beyond financial documentation alone and consider the broader context of the applicant’s work and contributions. Refugees are trailblazers, not mere subjects of humanitarian aid—we are key participants in solving the global crises we face. We bring expertise, resilience, and the lived experience that is crucial for creating lasting solutions. See how refugees are contributing 

In conclusion, Refugees are not just statistics; we are people with stories that deserve to be heard and dreams that deserve to be realized. This blog post is not just about my personal experiences with visa denial; it is a call to action for all those involved in decision-making processes related to refugee visas. By fostering a more inclusive approach to visa applications for refugees, we can ensure that more refugees are able to participate in the global conversations that shape our futures. I will continue to advocate for change, not only for myself but for all refugees who are being held back by these restrictive policies.

Written by Joel Dieudonne Kikalage, Unbounded Associates | MMA Co-chair, Edited by Lola Ayanda