Redefining dignity: Immigration’s role in global perception

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, once articulated: “There’s a kind of contempt we are dealt with when we present our Nigerian passport, which we find indefensible.” This profound observation speaks to the heart of a global issue: the way immigration officers, as the first line of contact in any country, shape perceptions through their treatment of travellers. For Nigerians and many other Africans, the experience at immigration counters is often one of suspicion, disdain, and unnecessary hostility. It takes very little to be polite, to offer basic dignity, yet this simple courtesy is often denied.

Over a decade ago, I made the bold decision to relocate to South Africa, bringing with me my skills as an organisational leadership, learning, and development specialist. South Africa offered me a space to grow and flourish, and my career quickly advanced. My first major corporate opportunity came from a global brand with roots in Sweden — Ericsson. As a learning leader in South Africa, Ericsson’s team entrusted me with coaching and mentoring 25 young Africans who had travelled from across the continent to participate in the Ericsson Young Professionals Learning Week. This was more than just a professional milestone; it was a gateway to broader opportunities.

This initial success opened doors to work with Afrocentric Group’s Pharmacy Direct, Discovery Health, MTN, South African Airways, South African Tourism, and global giants like General Electric and GlaxoSmithKline. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing and implementing learning initiatives that have supported over 100,000 professionals. The financial rewards from these endeavours enabled me to pursue my dreams, including travelling to Europe — a dream that was, however, often hindered by visa rejections.

Despite my professional achievements, my Nigerian passport proved to be an obstacle. Visa refusals became a recurring theme, even when applying to European countries. It wasn’t until I included my South African Identity Document and Permanent Residence Certificate that I was finally granted a Schengen visa. This visa allowed me to visit Switzerland, Italy, and France, where I participated in an Alpine course on Mont Blanc, an adventure I shared with several South Africans. The contrast between these experiences and the rejection of my visa applications solely based on my Nigerian nationality was stark and deeply troubling.

Recently, I faced another disheartening experience. I was invited to lead a delegation of South Africans and Nigerians to an EU Trade Summit — a significant event that I helped secure over 1,000 euros in ticket sales for, with over 20 participants, including representatives from Gauteng Provincial Government’s Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. My role was not only to deliver a keynote but also to participate in a panel discussion. However, my visa application to Estonia via the Swedish Embassy, the issuing country, was delayed for nearly 30 days before it was eventually denied. The rejection letter, signed by one Nelson Andera, left me stunned.

What made this situation even more disconcerting was learning that my legal counsel, who had also applied for a visa to attend the same event, was similarly refused. Upon further inquiry, we discovered that a South African immigration official had once been denied a visa by the same Swedish embassy, leading to intervention by South Africa’s Department of International Relations (DIRCO). This pattern of visa rejections suggests a disturbing bias against Africans — a bias that is not just isolated to individual cases but appears to be part of a broader structural inequality.

The experiences of Africans in Europe often go beyond visa refusals. A South African student, blogged about the microaggressions and subtle racism she endures daily in Sweden. These incidents have driven her to seek counselling, as she grappled with the psychological toll of being treated as inferior simply because of her skin colour and nationality. As an advocate for mental health, I know that prolonged exposure to such environments can lead to internalised feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Her experience is a poignant reminder that the impact of immigration policies and the behaviour of immigration officials extends far beyond the border control desk — it affects the mental well-being of individuals, shaping their sense of self-worth.

These reflections lead me to critical points immigration officials must consider:

1. The power of first impressions: Immigration officers are the first representatives of their countries. Their conduct sets the tone for how visitors perceive the nation. A welcoming attitude, politeness, and respect for basic human dignity are not just desirable but essential.

2. The impact of bias: Bias, whether conscious or unconscious, undermines the principles of fairness and equality. Immigration officials must recognise the harmful effects of prejudice and strive to treat all travellers with impartiality, regardless of nationality.

3. Structural inequality: The visa application process often reflects broader structural inequalities. African travellers, in particular, face disproportionate scrutiny and rejection. Addressing these disparities requires a commitment to reforming immigration policies to ensure they are just and equitable.

4. Mental health implications: The psychological impact of discriminatory treatment at borders cannot be overstated. Immigration policies that dehumanise and marginalise individuals contribute to a sense of alienation and can have long-lasting effects on mental health.

In conclusion, it is time for immigration officials to recognise the profound responsibility they carry.

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