Kenyan Lawyer Linda Bonyo has called out the Belgian Ambassador over alleged extortion of Kenyans applying for visas by his office.
Bonyo who is undergoing cancer treatment in Belgium revealed that the ambassador has refused to issue her family with visas and was requesting for more money.
She narrated that she has been alone in the cancer ward for four weeks and her family was supposed to travel to stand by her during the difficult time.
However, despite paying for the express visa services, the embassy had failed to issue them with the travel documents and was not responding to their petitions, 27 days after application.
“You are extorting us and asking us to pay more to access our passport. You have two hours to get our passports to the nearest court of law. I am in Belgium right now going through cancer treatment.
“I have been in the ward for four weeks in isolation without my family because you have refused to issue them visas. We pull our kids out of school two weeks ago so that they can join me. You have refused to do this,” she said.
Also Read: US Embassy Issues Fresh Update & Instructions on Visa Applications
Kenyan Lawyer Linda Bonyo Highlights Laws Broken by the Ambassador
According to Bonyo, the ambassador had gone against the law by automating his calls and remaining unreachable.
Consequently, she has called for immediate action against the diplomat adding that the embassy was taking advantage of her desperate situation.
“You have automated your calls contrary to the Data Protection Act, and we cannot get a hold of you. I am fighting that fight and if I am going to die, I am dying with you.
“The Belgian ambassador has to go. I am going to sue, and I understand both the Kenyan and European immigration law,” she added.
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Furthermore, Bonyo has called on Kenyans undergoing challenges to sign up and allow lawyers hub Kenya to help them.
Moreover, she explained that she had done research and learnt that institutions were taking advantage of Kenyans and other Africans.
“I am suing the Belgian government and TLS on this Visa Issue! It took us time to get an email to serve TLS, all their emails are automated nonreplies. It’s time to dismantle the visa cartels in Africa who steal from us to Europe.
“I want to call every Kenyan whose visas and passports are being held against their will. I want you to sign up to the lawyer’s hub and let us know which embassies are taking advantage if you. Lawyers are here to fight for you,” she added.
Also Read: Larry Madowo Questions Nigeria’s Visa Charges
Madowo Complaints on Nigeria Visas
Earlier, CNN journalist Larry Madowo raised concerns over visa charges imposed by Nigeria, revealing that he was charged $215 (Ksh27,950) for a 1-month, single-entry visa, during his third visit to the country in 2024.
According to Madowo, it made no sense that he was being charged for biometric data collection, while his fingerprints remained unchanged from his previous visits.
“Nigeria just charged me $215 for a 1-month single-entry visa. Again. I was here 3 weeks ago – paid the same $215. This is actually my 3rd time in Nigeria this year, so they have made $645 from me in 2024 alone,” Madowo lamented.
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