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Three Ugandans denied Denmark visas for Pride event

Three LGBT rights activists from Uganda have been denied visas to enter Denmark despite having been invited to take part in the Copenhagen Pride event.

Published: 4 August 2017 11:17 CEST
Three Ugandans denied Denmark visas for Pride event
A Pride event last month in the Namibian capital Windhoek. Photo: Hildegard Titus/AFP/Scanpix

The Ugandans – a gay man and two lesbian women – were invited by the LGBT Denmark organisation to speak about their work on a Danish-supported project for homosexual people in the African country.

But the three were denied visas, partly because authorities were concerned they would not returned home after the 15th-20th August event, reports the Politiken newspaper.

LGBT Denmark’s project manager Susanne Branner Jespersen told Politiken that the decision not to issues visas by Danish authorities could be considered discriminatory.

“It is absurd that no consideration is taken as to what they are coming here for and that we have vouched for them. We have made our own assessment as to who we believe will travel home again, since we are well aware of the risk of people from countries like Uganda not doing so,” Jespersen said.

According to Politiken’s report, the decision not to issues visas to the three Ugandans was based in part on their young age, marital status and the fact that they are not land owners – although the latter is disputed by Jespersen, who said that the two women do in fact own land in Uganda.

“It is not possible for homosexuals to marry in Uganda. So this is a rejection on the basis of a status they cannot possibly achieve. That is a discriminatory practice in itself,” she said.

Jespersen added that marrying someone of the same sex in Uganda carries the risk of “life imprisonment”.

Denmark’s visa processing in Uganda is outsourced to Norway’s embassy in Kampala, which processed and rejected the applications, according to the report.

LGBT Denmark and one of the two female applicants have submitted appeals against the decision.

Amnesty International, which has also invited the three activists to speak at Copenhagen Pride, called the visa rejections “shameful”.

“The Danish government supports both in words and actions LGBT rights in Uganda and many other countries and it is therefore important that it also supports human rights activists that actually put their lives at risk for the rights of homosexuals in Uganda,” Amnesty Denmark’s programme manager Helle Jacobsen told Politiken.

Opposition politician Sofie Carsten Nielsen of the Social Liberal (Radikale Venstre) party told new agency Ritzau that the government should intervene in the issue.

“It is important, because there are countries around the world, including Uganda, that do not recognise that homosexual, bisexual and trans people have the same rights as others,” Carsten Nielsen said.

In 2016, seven Ugandans were granted asylum in Denmark and 33 rejected, including a number in which homosexuality formed part of the basis for application, according to Politiken’s report.

READ ALSO: Denmark maintains positive record on LGBTI rights

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VISAS

Which European countries offer a ‘digital nomad’ visa?

With the world of work rapidly changing, digital nomad visas are now in high demand as a way to experience life in another country while continuing to work remotely. Here are the European countries that you can obtain one for, and what’s involved.

Published: 10 April 2024 17:25 CEST
Which European countries offer a 'digital nomad' visa?

Many countries have introduced digital nomad visas as a means to attract visitors and boost their economy. 

Generally, to obtain one, those applying need to be able to conduct their work online, to have a contract with a company based outside the country they’re applying to, and to meet a monthly salary level. 

Additionally, applicants will need to prove that they have a minimum level of health insurance, means to support themselves and accommodation organised. 

It’s also important to note that if you are a citizen of an EEA/Schengen country, you may not be able to apply for these visas – you already have the right to live and work in these countries. 

Germany, Austria, Sweden and Switzerland do not currently have offer a ‘digital nomad visa, although there are alternatives. 

France and Denmark also have options for those wanting to work remotely. 

Several European countries, however, now do offer these visas. 

Albania

Albania’s new Unique Permit scheme allows digital nomads to apply for a Type D visa, which is valid for a year, and which can be renewed for up to five years. 

While there are no explicit requirements for a monthly or yearly salary, it has been suggested that a minimum yearly income of €9.024,33 would result in an approval. 

Applications can take up to twelve weeks, and the costs for the visa will vary, based on your country of origin. 

Croatia

Croatia introduced their Digital Nomad Residence Permit in 2021, and it is becoming a popular option for remote workers. 

This visa is valid for a year, and can be renewed – although you’ll have to leave the country for six months before you can reapply. 

A minimum monthly salary of €2.446,69 is required for a successful application. 

The cost of this visa will vary, depending on the country from which you apply. 

Cyprus

Cyprus has an appealing Digital Nomad Visa program, albeit one that is capped – only 500 are available per year. 

Applicants will need to be able to prove a minimum monthly income of €3,500 to receive a visa, and it is valid for one year – renewable for a further two. 

Applicants will need to pay €140 – €70 for the application fee, and €70 for the Alien Registration Certificate. 

Estonia

A trailblazer in attracting remote workers, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of Europe’s most desirable. 

This is due to the country’s excellent online infrastructure and support for remote workers, through its E-Residency Card program. 

Applicants can also expect a response to their application within a month – a much shorter waiting period than for several other countries. 

Applicants must pay a €60 application fee, and be able to show evidence of a €4,500 monthly salary. 

Greece

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is valid for two years, renewable for another two years.

It costs €75, and you’ll need to be making at least €3,500 a month to be successful when applying. 

Hungary

Hungary’s ‘White Card’ was introduced in 2021 to attract remote workers to the central European country. 

The ‘White Card’ is valid for one year, and can be extended once for a further year. 

Applicants need to be able to show that they’re earning the equivalent of €3,000 a month, and costs €110 to apply for. 

Iceland

Iceland also has a digital nomad visa, although it’s slightly different to many others. 

The country’s Long-term visa for Remote Work is only valid for up to 180 days, although it can be applied for again 90 days after leaving the Schengen zone.

It costs €80.96 to apply, and you will need to be making at least €6.636,13 a month to be successful. 

Italy

Italy’s digital nomad visa is Europe’s newest, effective from April 4th. The initial visa is valid for a year, and there is no upper limit on renewals, as long as the applicant still meets the criteria.

It’s important to know that applicants will need to be earning €28,000 a year to be successful. The visa must be applied for at the nearest consulate, and costs €116.

Malta

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one year and can be renewed a further three times, for a maximum stay of four years. 

Applicants need to show that they are making at least €42,000 a year and the application fee is €300.

Norway

Norway’s digital nomad visa offering is rather unique. 

First, the Digital Nomad Visa is valid for up to two years, and can be reapplied for. Applicants must show an annual income of €35,719 and the application costs €600. 

Then there’s the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa. While it has much the same requirements as the regular digital nomad visa, successful applicants must also reside within the Svalbard archipelago, within the Arctic Circle. 

Amazingly, there is no expiry date for the Svalbard visa  – it has a lifetime duration. However, you will have to pay Norwegian taxes. 

Both of these visas can be applied for through the official Norwegian government website.

Spain

Although it was only introduced last year, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa programme has already proved successful. 

The initial visa is valid for one year, and it can be renewed for up to five years. 

It costs €80 to apply, and applicants need to show that they’re making a minimum of €2,646 a month. 

Portugal

Portugal’s digital nomad visa program is one of Europe’s most well-known.

Two specific visas specifically cater towards digital nomads. The Temporary Stay Visa is valid for three months and can be renewed up to four times – the maximum stay being a year. 

This visa costs €75 to apply for, and applicants have to show a monthly salary of €3,280.

The Residency Visa is valid for four months, after which it can be reapplied for, lasting two years. 

It costs €80 to apply for, and the income threshold is increased to €3,304. 

Family members can accompany those on a Residency Visa, while on a Temporary Stay visa, they cannot.

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