Bureaucratic red tape, including visa denials, is causing widespread confusion and deep concern about how conditions for the movement of civil society actors are evolving.
Many committed, respected, and long-standing leaders are working to promote economic and social rights, strengthen social justice, and consolidate democratic processes. As such, their participation in international forums for reflection and dialogue is of particular importance.
Officially invited to EU countries to speak at conferences or meetings focused on contemporary issues, their presence is an integral part of a process of dialogue, the sharing of experiences, and the collective development of solutions. Denying them entry into the country not only constitutes a barrier to freedom of movement, but also a concrete challenge to the fundamental principle of the free exchange of ideas and knowledge.
These are by no means isolated incidents. In recent months, there have been numerous instances of administrative red tape—including visa denials—targeting civil society actors, researchers, artists, activists, and other prominent figures, reflecting a clear tightening of visa issuance practices.
The authorities in the countries concerned should be reminded that these decisions—often justified by fears of visa abuse for the purpose of seeking asylum—are based on a broad and opaque rationale. This leads to the erroneous equating of recognized individuals, who are invited under an official framework and backed by solid guarantees, with situations of irregular migration
These authorities should also be reminded that the individuals in question have proven institutional and professional ties in their countries of origin, as well as formal, well-defined invitations. Subjecting them to cumbersome, intrusive, and often opaque procedures, only to ultimately deny their applications, amounts to creating an unjustified presumption of mistrust.
Beyond the administrative restrictions, these practices carry a profoundly humiliating aspect. They subject recognized actors to implicit suspicion, force them to excessively justify their legitimacy, and undermine their dignity. Behind the rigidity of administrative regulations lies an experience that is perceived as disqualifying and degrading.
This trend effectively limits opportunities for dialogue, particularly between civil societies in the North and the South, which are essential for mutual understanding and the development of joint responses. It permanently weakens the momentum for exchange, reduces opportunities for intellectual and activist cooperation, and undermines efforts to collectively address global challenges, whether social, environmental, or political.
At a time when transnational challenges—including climate crises, social inequalities, and geopolitical tensions—require coordinated, open, and inclusive approaches, such practices send a particularly troubling signal regarding the true nature of policies promoting openness and partnership.
There is a clear need for an urgent and thorough review of visa issuance practices in order to ensure fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory access to international mobility for civil society actors, activists, and public figures engaged in public debate, research, and the defense of human rights.
The aim is to preserve the conditions necessary for the existence of a truly free, pluralistic, and inclusive space for international dialogue.
