THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
In a welcome development, Germany has unveiled four new Schengen visa application centres — two in Nigeria (Abuja and Lagos), one in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and another in Nicosia (Cyprus). This expansion, launched under a renewed seven-year agreement with VFS Global, seeks to streamline visa services and reduce bottlenecks affecting applicants. VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services provider for governments and diplomatic missions, specializing in visa, passport and consular processing solutions.
The new centres aim to decentralise the application process, bringing easier access, faster queues and clearer communication to those applying for visas.
Under this initiative, VFS Global will take charge of the initial phases of the application: collecting documents, capturing biometric data and scheduling appointments — tasks previously handled solely by Germany’s diplomatic missions.
Germany’s move comes amid rising demand from African and Middle Eastern nationals seeking to travel for education, tourism, healthcare, or employment. Yet, obtaining a Schengen visa has often proven difficult. In Nigeria, for example, securing an appointment can take up to a year or more. In 2024, Nigeria recorded a rejection rate of 45.9 percent — the third-highest in the world — highlighting widespread frustration with both the process and its outcomes.
Beyond reducing delays, the new centres also aim to bring greater transparency and ease in tracking applications — features long sought by frustrated applicants. Germany hopes that this physical and digital reach will help build stronger people-to-people ties and enhance trust.
Meanwhile, VFS Global has cautioned applicants against scams, warning that fraudulent operators are targeting hopeful travellers with fake offer letters of appointments. The firm advises using only its official platforms and trusted channels to schedule visa appointments.
What The New Centres Mean for Travellers
- Reduced waiting times and improved access
- Simplified application procedure, with streamlined appointment booking and biometric capture.
- Enhanced transparency, thanks to better tracking and clearer communications.
- A safer process, provided applicants use official channels and avoid fraudsters.
For Nigerians and Cameroonians dreaming of travel, study or work in Europe, these new centres are a positive step towards easing long-standing challenges.
Austin Ohaegbu
