The Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, has expressed concerns over the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s recent communique on visa application challenges, stating that the “general nature” of the message makes it difficult for embassies to act on specific improvements.

His comments came amid growing diplomatic discussions over the treatment of Ghanaian visa applicants and the role of outsourced visa processing firms such as VFS Global.

Addressing the concerns raised by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Verheul acknowledged that the Dutch Embassy received the official communication but argued that its broad nature made it ineffective in addressing real issues.

“We did receive that communication, which was a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to all diplomatic missions in Accra. However, what struck me is that it was quite general.
“It addresses broad concerns about how visa applicants are treated, but these generic observations do not necessarily apply to us”
Jeroen Verheul, Dutch Ambassador to Ghana

Verheul emphasized that while “no system is perfect”, embassies are open to suggestions for improving visa processing.

However, without specific grievances tied to individual embassies, making targeted improvements becomes difficult.

Providing insights into visa application trends, the Dutch Ambassador revealed that his embassy processes over 15,000 visa applications annually, making it the largest Schengen visa-issuing mission in Ghana.

“Other embassies process between 5,000 and 10,000,” he explained.

Verheul also clarified that Schengen embassies in Ghana have outsourced their visa processing to VFS Global, a third-party service provider.

As a result, applicants seeking Dutch visas do not go directly to the embassy but to VFS offices, a practice he noted is common among Schengen countries.

Bombande: Embassies Must Ensure Humane Treatment at VFS Global

Meanwhile, security and governance expert Emmanuel Bombande has urged embassies to take greater responsibility for the treatment of Ghanaians at outsourced visa processing centers.

He argued that embassies cannot absolve themselves of responsibility simply because they have delegated visa application procedures to VFS Global.

“The embassies are the ones who have outsourced… As a result, Ghanaians wait for very long just to get an appointment. It is in the interest of the embassies to check what is happening at VFS Global and ensure humane treatment”
Emmanuel Bombande, Security and Governance Expert

He emphasized that while Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister does not have direct supervisory authority over VFS Global, he can engage with ambassadors to address concerns diplomatically.

“This is not about disregard but about friendship and diplomatic relationships. The note verbale was a very respectful document drawing attention to how Ghanaians are treated. We would not want to treat others that way, and we expect the same respect in return”
Emmanuel Bombande, Security and Governance Expert

The debate over the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s approach to the issue has sparked broader discussions on Ghana’s diplomatic engagement with foreign missions.

Former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and former Ambassador to South Africa, Charles Owiredu, recently suggested that embassies might disregard the ministry’s concerns, as visa policies largely fall under their sovereign jurisdiction.

However, Bombande dismissed this notion, arguing that diplomatic relationships should allow for open and honest engagement on issues affecting Ghanaians.

“The problem is that there has been so much timidity in Ghana’s diplomacy that when concerns are raised, some fear that engaging frankly with foreign partners might be seen as overstepping.
“If embassies disregard our concerns, it does not mean the Foreign Affairs Minister should remain silent”
Emmanuel Bombande, Security and Governance Expert

Emmanuel Bombande, Security and Governance Expert

Beyond Economic Crisis

The visa debate is unfolding against the backdrop of increasing migration from Ghana, a trend often attributed to economic hardship.

However, Bombande believes that the desire to leave Ghana is not solely driven by financial struggles but also by a deeply ingrained perception that life is always better abroad.

“The economic downturn has made life difficult, but that is not the only factor driving mass migration” he observed.

“There is a mindset and culture that has taken root in Ghanaian society, an illusion that the grass is greener elsewhere. Many believe that if you have the chance to leave, you should”
Emmanuel Bombande, Security and Governance Expert

He cited reports of religious institutions playing a role in encouraging migration, with some churches reportedly collecting passports to pray for members to secure travel opportunities.

While acknowledging that conditions in Ghana may be less favorable compared to industrialized nations, Bombande warned that this should not justify the mistreatment of Ghanaians seeking to travel abroad.

“Yes, some countries offer better opportunities, but that does not mean Ghanaians should be treated unfairly in the visa application process. The fact that people want to leave does not give embassies or outsourced agencies the right to handle them poorly”
Emmanuel Bombande, Security and Governance Expert

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, foreign embassies, and advocacy groups remain at odds over how best to ensure fairness in visa processing.

While embassies emphasize their sovereignty in managing visas, Ghanaian officials insist on the need for respect and humane treatment in the process.

With thousands of Ghanaians seeking travel opportunities every year, the question remains: How can diplomatic channels be leveraged to create a visa application system that is both efficient and fair?