The French embassy in Yaoundé has justified the stricter financial requirements for Cameroonian students applying to private institutions in France. The diplomatic mission attributes this policy shift to a surge in fraudulent activities within student visa applications submitted through Campus France.

During a press briefing held on July 16 in Yaoundé, Muriel Piquet-Viaux, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Action, explained that irregularities in submitted documents have become increasingly prevalent. These include counterfeit bank statements, falsified records, fraudulent identity documents, and inaccurate financial proofs. Consular authorities have implemented enhanced verification protocols to scrutinize every submitted document.

Under the new guidelines, Cameroonian students admitted to French private institutions must provide proof of full tuition payment or demonstrate access to sufficient funds before a visa can be issued. For applicants who have already paid a deposit, the embassy clarified that procedures will vary by institution, though assured that blocked funds will be released once the visa is granted.

New measures spark concern among Cameroonian families

Cameroun remains the only African nation currently subject to these tightened student visa requirements from France. The policy continues to draw significant concern and opposition from affected families.