Cameroonian Man Denied French Visa as Unemployed Wife Approved—Court Overturns “Irrational” Decision

In a case that underscores long-standing complaints about discriminatory and inconsistent visa policies, a Cameroonian man was denied a visa to France while his unemployed South African wife—applying with the same documents—was approved.

Jean Mboulé, a regional executive born in France and residing in South Africa, applied for a Schengen visa in 2022 to visit France. His wife, a South African passport holder with no employment or income at the time, applied alongside him using his financial documents—and was granted a visa. He was not.

According to reporting by CNN, “The embassy claimed my documents were fake and questioned whether I would return to South Africa—even though I’m a permanent resident with a family and I own property there,” Mboulé said.

Outraged by what he described as an “irrational and unjustified” decision, the 39-year-old challenged the rejection in the French courts. An administrative tribunal in Nantes sided with him, ordering the French embassy in Johannesburg to grant the visa and pay him €1,200 in damages.

Mboulé successfully argued that he had submitted ample proof of his intent to return, including documentation of his wife and daughter in South Africa and proof of property ownership. After securing the visa, however, he chose to travel to Mauritius instead. “I didn’t want to spend my money in France,” he told CNN.

The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the treatment of African nationals by European embassies, especially regarding Schengen visa applications. Critics say the system lacks transparency and often applies double standards—evident in Mboulé’s experience