French embassy in Yaoundé justifies stricter student visa requirements for Cameroonian applicants

In response to growing criticism surrounding tightened student visa requirements, the French embassy in Yaoundé held a press conference on July 16 to explain the new measures. The embassy emphasized that the decision comes after a significant increase in fraudulent applications detected through the Campus France platform.

Muriel Piquet-Viaux, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Action, highlighted several types of irregularities uncovered during document verification. These include falsified bank statements, tampered financial records, fraudulent identity documents, and inaccurate financial proofs. Consular authorities have strengthened verification processes by implementing a dedicated system to scrutinize all submitted documents.

Under the new rules, Cameroonian students admitted to French private institutions must now provide proof of full tuition payment or demonstrate access to the total required funds before visa issuance. For students who have already paid a deposit, the embassy clarified that procedures will depend on individual institutions, while assuring that blocked funds will be released once the visa is granted.

Cameroon faces stricter visa rules ahead of others in Africa

As of now, Cameroon is the only African country subjected to these enhanced student visa requirements. The measure has sparked widespread concern and opposition among affected families.