The British High Commission in Yaoundé has provided clarifications on the decision to curb the issuance of student visas to Cameroonian nationals for 18 months, a measure motivated by migration concerns.
The British High Commission in Yaoundé has provided clarifications regarding the decision to temporarily curb the issuance of student visas to Cameroonian nationals. The measure, recently announced, is expected to apply for an initial period of 18 months.
According to the British diplomatic representation, this curb exclusively concerns student visas. Cameroonian applicants who already have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can, however, still submit their application until March 26. After this deadline, any student visa application will be automatically refused and will not be subject to any refund.
British authorities also specify that no scholarship program is exempt from this measure. On the other hand, Cameroonian students already present in the United Kingdom are not affected by this restriction.
The High Commission also insists that other visa application routes remain open to Cameroonian nationals, particularly for visit stays or work opportunities in the United Kingdom.
In its statement, the diplomatic mission emphasizes that this decision is not a political choice and does not call into question the quality of bilateral relations between London and Yaoundé. It is reportedly motivated solely by a migration issue.
British authorities explain that more than a third of Cameroonians who arrived over the last two years on a student visa subsequently filed an asylum application. A situation which, according to London, led to the introduction of this temporary curb.
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