ANALYSIS: Why are Cameroonians Willing to Spend Millions on visa agents instead of getting them at Embassies

By Hans Ngala

In recent years, Cameroonians have been leaving the country in droves as economic prospects continue to wane in the country. A good number are willing to spend upwards of 2.5 Million CFA on visa agents to help them secure a visa to travel overseas.
The decision to use visa agents means that these would-be Cameroonian travellers skip the process of going for a visa interview at an embassy. Visa applications cost anywhere from 30, 000 CFA to 80,000 CFA depending on the country one intends to travel to and the type of visa they are applying for.
However, instead of compiling their documents themselves, filling out the application forms and submitting them at an embassy and then awaiting a decision on their visa application, most Cameroonians prefer to use visa agents. Usually, using an agent means paying more, circumventing the normal (and sometimes, complicated) visa process. But this comes with its own challenges.
Using a visa agent for a visa application means that the applicant is at the mercy of this agent who may or may not fully master the unique circumstances surrounding each applicant’s documents. The visa agent could make a mistake in the document, misspell a name, use fraudulent bank statements etc. The myriads of problems are endless and this could have severe consequences for applicants, ranging from a permanent visa ban or even arrest.

It is true that the Cameroonian economy is in very bad shape and many young Cameroonians are willing to do anything to leave the country. They are disillusioned with Paul Biya’s misrule for over 40 years which has resulted in these bleak economic circumstances and the only hope that many have is to leave the country, some don’t do it conventionally.
Visa agents are known to charge exorbitant sums from these desperate Cameroonians who entrust both the visa application process to them and the flight booking process to them as well. Because many Cameroonians intending to travel, have never left the country, many are unfamiliar with the process for obtaining a visa but instead of going to the embassy to get correct information, they simply trust others who say they can do it for them and in this way, many have fallen victim to scams – even from their friends and colleagues.
Most of them also don’t have a bank account nor a credit card which is necessary for most of these international transactions at embassies and airlines, hence they have to use cash and once money exchanges hands in liquid form, there is hardly any record of it and this means that agents can get away with theft if they swindle a desperate Cameroonian.

So How Can Cameroonians Avoid Falling Victim to Fake Visa Agents

To avoid falling victim to visa scams, Cameroonians planning to travel must take several precautions. First and foremost, they should educate themselves about the visa application process for their intended destination. Many embassies and consulates provide detailed information online about visa requirements, including the necessary documents, application fees, and processing times. It is advisable for prospective travelers to visit official embassy websites or consult diplomatic missions directly instead of relying on intermediaries who may not have accurate or up-to-date information.
While the blame lies on some visa agents, some Cameroonians are also the cause of their own pain. Some do not have legit documents and have forged marriage certificates or birth certificates, forged academic certificates or degrees and even forged bank statements and because they fear being caught, they delegate the services of a travel agent who sticks his own neck out for them. But using documents that are fake or have been manipulated in way should be avoided.
Another crucial step is to verify the credibility of visa agents before engaging their services. If one chooses to use an agent, they should ensure that the agent is properly licensed or affiliated with a recognized travel agency. Testimonials from previous clients can also be useful in assessing an agent’s reliability. Additionally, travelers should avoid paying large sums of money upfront, especially in cash. Instead, they should use traceable payment methods such as bank transfers or mobile money services, which provide proof of payment in case of fraud.
For those looking to travel without the hassle of applying for visas, there are several countries Cameroonians can visit visa-free or obtain a visa upon arrival. Some of these destinations include several African nations like Madagascar, Chad, Gabon, Ghana, Rwanda, Lesotho and Kenya. Outside of Africa, Cameroonians can visit countries such as Dominica, Brazil, Haiti, and some Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Singapore without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival arrangement. These destinations provide viable travel alternatives for those who may not wish to go through the rigorous and sometimes uncertain visa application process for Western countries.
Given recent immigration crackdowns in the United States, particularly under policies being reinforced by Donald Trump’s influence in American politics, Cameroonians aspiring to migrate to the U.S. should be especially cautious. The U.S. has been tightening immigration laws and increasing deportation efforts, which makes it imperative for anyone considering travel there to ensure their documents are legitimate and their visa application process follows all legal procedures. With Trump’s brutal crackdown in immigration, those applying for US visas can expect more stringent rules even as they are applying to enter the country legally. Falling victim to a fraudulent visa scheme could lead to deportation or even a permanent ban from entering the U.S.
While the economic hardships in Cameroon make migration an appealing option, it is essential for prospective travelers to be well-informed and vigilant. Instead of blindly trusting visa agents, individuals should conduct thorough research, seek information from official sources, and avoid making cash payments without documentation. Additionally, exploring visa-free travel options can provide alternative routes for those looking to leave the country legally and safely. With careful planning and awareness, Cameroonians can protect themselves from falling into the traps set by unscrupulous visa agents and make informed travel decisions that ensure their safety and security abroad.