2023-06-26 19:36:37
In a series of statements on his Twitter account, famous Haitian DJ Michael Brun exposed the major challenges that Haitians face when wanting to travel abroad. The artist denounced the complex process imposed on Haitian passport holders, who must obtain a visa for almost every country in the world, whether for professional or tourist reasons.
“Whether for business or tourism, Haitians have to go through a gauntlet of immigration appointments, biometrics, approvals, fees and more to make any type of trip,” Brun said with a mixture of anger and disappointment. He pointed out that “the most insulting part of the process is that you almost always have to leave your passport at each respective consulate. They can keep it from 1 week to 3 months (or even more) during treatment”.
The most insulting part of the process is that you almost always have to leave your passport with each respective consulate. They can hold onto it from 1 week to 3 months (or even more) while processing is happening.
So if you need to get more than 1 visa, good luck.
— Michaël Brun (@MichaelBrun) June 22, 2023
As an internationally acclaimed artist, Brun was blessed with increased immigration support through his professional status and caring people who accompanied him on his journey. However, he acknowledges that many Haitians, less fortunate or without such connections, have seen their dreams shattered and their opportunities evaporate due to this complex system.
“Every time I apply for a visa, I think regarding how unfair this global system is for the whole country and its people,” he said. “These are the legal and correct channels and yet it feels constantly oppressive and demeaning every step of the way.”
Michael Brun also stressed the importance of transparency in this discussion, aware that many friends residing in the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere do not measure the extent of the complexity encountered by people from so-called “underdeveloped”. He hopes that awareness of these challenges will help spark positive change in the future.
“The main reason I’m sharing this is that a lot of friends in the US, Canada, Europe and elsewhere don’t realize how complex the system is for people in ‘underdeveloped’ countries. I think that transparency is important for positive change to happen one day,” he stressed.
I am simply speaking as a holder of a Haitian passport
Michael Brun’s words resonate with the experiences shared by many people who, due to their nationality, face barriers and discrimination when they aspire to travel abroad. They highlight the need for careful thought and concerted action to eliminate these inequities within immigration and visa processes globally.
Ravensley Boisrond
1687815003
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