Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Ranjith S]

My visa is also got rejected. So I am not coming to Canada this year. I
think Canada is a bad place for Wikimania due to their strict rules. And
thinking that is not a tourist friendly country.

On 22-Jun-2017 8:59 PM, "Ivan Martínez"  wrote:

> Following the Stuart's commentary, for Mexico City the low rate of
> rejection was not for free. I supposed my country was a friendly
> destination because their history welcoming people from all over the world
> until I was involved in the visa process for many wikimedians who faced
> different kind of issues. So I was engaged with WMF's staff to provide any
> evidence and documents to make fast responses to reduce the chances of
> rejection. Among the issues we had:
>
> - A really annoying insistence of the consular authorities of Mexico
> rejecting documents in digital copies. We had to send many hard copies via
> express mail services
> - Consular officers insisted on proving in some way that the Wikimedia
> Foundation has funds against possible contingencies of the attendees. This
> was mainly because many of the officials who received the documents did not
> know anyything about Wikipedia and its fame. I remember me talking on
> conventional telephone several times from Mexico City to New Delhi to give
> more information.
> - Lack of Mexican embassies in all the attendees countries, so some people
> needs to travel to other country to the nearest embassy to get visa, so,
> chances of fail getting documents and doing procedures in other country
> which is not yours is risky.
>
> In any case, having prior time is the only antidote. Some situations can
> be solved, but with anticipated time. Rules are rules and in consular
> proceedings much more no matter the country where the event will held and
> this is not really attributable to the people who are working supporting
> the process doing their best.
>
>
>
> 2017-06-22 9:34 GMT-05:00 Nkansah Rexford :
>
>> In addition, providing this *true assistance* won't be for *all*
>> attendees. In many cases, only a select few of the total attendees will
>> have the visa-related issues.
>>
>> Thus, say out of 100 applicants, just less than 20 individuals might need
>> the assistance beyond the letter at their local embassies. And over and
>> over again, we know these countries that yearly present visa troubles for
>> applicants.
>>
>> And since it can be relatively easier for individuals with relatively
>> high travel history to get visas, the actual people who might need this
>> dedicated assistance can drop further.
>>
>> rex
>>
>>
>> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Nkansah Rexford 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Well, the goal won't be to *influence* or whatnot. That isn't gonna
>>> work. The goal is to provide extra details and answer questions that might
>>> come up.
>>>
>>> Some systems aren't entirely closed. From the outside, it looks closed,
>>> but a closer look reveals there's the option for recognized organizations
>>> (keyword is "recognized") to stretch a hand.
>>>
>>> Not all embassies in varied countries run the same. But the question is,
>>> has there been any attempt (stunt) of that sort pulled off ever?
>>>
>>> And after spending a load ton of effort in organizing, if the
>>> invitees don't get to come, does that not bring us to where we began?
>>>
>>> It ain't an easy or going to be an easy task. However, trying to dodge
>>> that also opens the opportunity for rejections easily.
>>>
>>> Of course, it feels like a lottery. However, if there's anything one
>>> could do to tip the chances of 'winning' the lottery a bit to the bright
>>> side, won't that be a worthwhile effort, no matter how hard?
>>>
>>> rex
>>>
>>> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Stuart Prior 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find
 out. My gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the
 past 4 years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)

 Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem
 lol). But some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard
 to bring any influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting
 documentation, i.e you can't even talk to a human being about it.

 To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts
 beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help
 sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity
 for a start.
 The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from
 hundreds of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support
 process into that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be
 easy to overpromise and underdeliver.

 What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our
 developing communities, but 

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Ranjith S]

My visa is also got rejected. So I am not coming to Canada this year. I
think Canada is a bad place for Wikimania due to their strict rules. And
thinking that is not a tourist friendly country.

On 23-Jun-2017 12:52 AM, "Jayanta Nath"  wrote:

> I think Wikimedia Canada not send any intimation to their Embassy of
> respective countries.
>
> Jayanta Nath
>
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

[Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Jayanta Nath]

I think Wikimedia Canada not send any intimation to their Embassy of
respective countries.

Jayanta Nath
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Ivan Martínez]

Following the Stuart's commentary, for Mexico City the low rate of
rejection was not for free. I supposed my country was a friendly
destination because their history welcoming people from all over the world
until I was involved in the visa process for many wikimedians who faced
different kind of issues. So I was engaged with WMF's staff to provide any
evidence and documents to make fast responses to reduce the chances of
rejection. Among the issues we had:

- A really annoying insistence of the consular authorities of Mexico
rejecting documents in digital copies. We had to send many hard copies via
express mail services
- Consular officers insisted on proving in some way that the Wikimedia
Foundation has funds against possible contingencies of the attendees. This
was mainly because many of the officials who received the documents did not
know anyything about Wikipedia and its fame. I remember me talking on
conventional telephone several times from Mexico City to New Delhi to give
more information.
- Lack of Mexican embassies in all the attendees countries, so some people
needs to travel to other country to the nearest embassy to get visa, so,
chances of fail getting documents and doing procedures in other country
which is not yours is risky.

In any case, having prior time is the only antidote. Some situations can be
solved, but with anticipated time. Rules are rules and in consular
proceedings much more no matter the country where the event will held and
this is not really attributable to the people who are working supporting
the process doing their best.



2017-06-22 9:34 GMT-05:00 Nkansah Rexford :

> In addition, providing this *true assistance* won't be for *all*
> attendees. In many cases, only a select few of the total attendees will
> have the visa-related issues.
>
> Thus, say out of 100 applicants, just less than 20 individuals might need
> the assistance beyond the letter at their local embassies. And over and
> over again, we know these countries that yearly present visa troubles for
> applicants.
>
> And since it can be relatively easier for individuals with relatively high
> travel history to get visas, the actual people who might need this
> dedicated assistance can drop further.
>
> rex
>
>
> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Nkansah Rexford 
> wrote:
>
>> Well, the goal won't be to *influence* or whatnot. That isn't gonna work.
>> The goal is to provide extra details and answer questions that might come
>> up.
>>
>> Some systems aren't entirely closed. From the outside, it looks closed,
>> but a closer look reveals there's the option for recognized organizations
>> (keyword is "recognized") to stretch a hand.
>>
>> Not all embassies in varied countries run the same. But the question is,
>> has there been any attempt (stunt) of that sort pulled off ever?
>>
>> And after spending a load ton of effort in organizing, if the
>> invitees don't get to come, does that not bring us to where we began?
>>
>> It ain't an easy or going to be an easy task. However, trying to dodge
>> that also opens the opportunity for rejections easily.
>>
>> Of course, it feels like a lottery. However, if there's anything one
>> could do to tip the chances of 'winning' the lottery a bit to the bright
>> side, won't that be a worthwhile effort, no matter how hard?
>>
>> rex
>>
>> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Stuart Prior 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find
>>> out. My gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the
>>> past 4 years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)
>>>
>>> Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem lol).
>>> But some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard to
>>> bring any influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting documentation,
>>> i.e you can't even talk to a human being about it.
>>>
>>> To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts
>>> beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help
>>> sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity
>>> for a start.
>>> The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from
>>> hundreds of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support
>>> process into that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be
>>> easy to overpromise and underdeliver.
>>>
>>> What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our
>>> developing communities, but they are one of many factors in deciding a
>>> Wikimania location.
>>> One country that might be visa-friendly to one, is prohibitively
>>> expensive to get to/stay in for another.
>>> So while Australia might be relaxed in terms of visas (I'm not confident
>>> of this btw) it's also objectively remote/expensive.
>>>
>>> Whether a location has achieved that balance is always a 

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Nkansah Rexford]

In addition, providing this *true assistance* won't be for *all* attendees.
In many cases, only a select few of the total attendees will have the
visa-related issues.

Thus, say out of 100 applicants, just less than 20 individuals might need
the assistance beyond the letter at their local embassies. And over and
over again, we know these countries that yearly present visa troubles for
applicants.

And since it can be relatively easier for individuals with relatively high
travel history to get visas, the actual people who might need this
dedicated assistance can drop further.

rex

On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Nkansah Rexford 
wrote:

> Well, the goal won't be to *influence* or whatnot. That isn't gonna work.
> The goal is to provide extra details and answer questions that might come
> up.
>
> Some systems aren't entirely closed. From the outside, it looks closed,
> but a closer look reveals there's the option for recognized organizations
> (keyword is "recognized") to stretch a hand.
>
> Not all embassies in varied countries run the same. But the question is,
> has there been any attempt (stunt) of that sort pulled off ever?
>
> And after spending a load ton of effort in organizing, if the
> invitees don't get to come, does that not bring us to where we began?
>
> It ain't an easy or going to be an easy task. However, trying to dodge
> that also opens the opportunity for rejections easily.
>
> Of course, it feels like a lottery. However, if there's anything one could
> do to tip the chances of 'winning' the lottery a bit to the bright side,
> won't that be a worthwhile effort, no matter how hard?
>
> rex
>
> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Stuart Prior  > wrote:
>
>> Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find
>> out. My gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the
>> past 4 years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)
>>
>> Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem lol).
>> But some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard to
>> bring any influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting documentation,
>> i.e you can't even talk to a human being about it.
>>
>> To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts
>> beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help
>> sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity
>> for a start.
>> The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from
>> hundreds of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support
>> process into that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be
>> easy to overpromise and underdeliver.
>>
>> What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our
>> developing communities, but they are one of many factors in deciding a
>> Wikimania location.
>> One country that might be visa-friendly to one, is prohibitively
>> expensive to get to/stay in for another.
>> So while Australia might be relaxed in terms of visas (I'm not confident
>> of this btw) it's also objectively remote/expensive.
>>
>> Whether a location has achieved that balance is always a question, and I
>> can't think of one Wikimania where everyone's agreed it has ;-)
>>
>> Stuart
>>
>> On 22 June 2017 at 12:12, Nkansah Rexford 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> It is easy to conclude the location hinders visa application acceptance.
>>> As much as it appears to be so, I strongly believe if there's good enough
>>> Visa support and assistance from the Wikimania Team/WMF, rejected cases
>>> could be low.
>>>
>>> Obviously, an applicant should have documents intact and good, and
>>> submit all the necessary details the embassy wants, including the
>>> invitation letter. However, in some countries, that ain't enough.
>>>
>>> In 2012, the invitation letter I submitted to the consular at the US
>>> embassy here in Ghana, she didn't read, and I could see from her face how
>>> nonsense it looked to her. Heck, anybody anywhere could conjure such a
>>> sheet of paper with black ink on, any time any day. Plus, the consular had
>>> NO idea what Wikimedia was. There was no way I could explain what Wikimedia
>>> is in the few seconds I had in front of the teller-like counter.
>>>
>>> Wiki? WikiLeaks? Duh!
>>>
>>> As much a mere letter of invitation is formal to some extent, to what
>>> extent is the WMF also willing to support visa applications outside just
>>> the letter?
>>>
>>> Not saying WMF should do exactly same, but I know other organizations
>>> that pick up the phone, and call the local embassy of the invitee way ahead
>>> of time to initialize conversations and to explain to *what extent* whoever
>>> they've invited fits in the about-to-happen event.
>>>
>>> The embassy in many cases, asks questions they won't otherwise ask the
>>> 

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Peter Southwood]

What problems are expected for middle eastern attendees to Cape Town? What 
countries passports are expected to have problems?

Cheers,

Peter

 

From: Wikimania-l [mailto:wikimania-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of 
Gnangarra
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2017 12:14 PM
To: Wikimania general list (open subscription)
Subject: Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

 

These issues are a symptom of the closed processes that have occurred firstly 
with Montreal and next year with middle eastern attendees to Cape Town .  
Acknowledging that the change was because of the amount effort put in by 
unsuccessful bidders was said to be wasted its showing that some things need to 
be opened for community discussion before decisions are made.  

 

 That it may be better for the WMF to require applicants to first obtain a visa 
before being confirmed for the scholarships in the future.  Perth/Australia is 
another place that visas for attendees wouldnt have been a big issue.

 

On 22 June 2017 at 17:43, cs  wrote:

That’s one of the  reasons why  I  proposed Bangkok, Thailand, for 2019 - apart 
 from its extremely tolerant  social cultures and very  low cost, while being  
a very  modern hi-tech city easily  accessible by  direct  flights from most  
parts of the world. Almost  everyone can enter the country  for  at  least  15  
days without  even a visa. Thailand only makes it difficult for people wanting 
to stay longer (years) in the country  on the pretext  of being  tourists.

 

It’s a shame for the visa refusals, but  perhaps this will open up the 
possibility to some refused scholarship applications. 

 

Kudpung.

On 22Jun, 2017, at 16:23, Bodhisattwa Mandal  
wrote:

 

Hi,

The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global south 
this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from these 
countries.

This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from India 
and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from Indian 
part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting. Although I 
am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but may be news of 
more rejections are coming soon. 

Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those 
countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a 
6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented. 

Best wishes,
Bodhisattwa

___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

 


___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l





 

-- 

GN.
President Wikimedia Australia
WMAU: http://www.wikimedia.org.au/wiki/User:Gnangarra
Photo Gallery: http://gnangarra.redbubble.com
Image removed by sender.

___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[ilario.valdelli]

Esino Lario too. 
There was a plan to transit people through Switzerland like second option using 
the Maastricht's agreement. As I know this option was not used.


Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
 Original message From: Stuart Prior 
 Date: 22/06/2017  13:24  (GMT+01:00) To: 
"Wikimania general list (open subscription)"  
Subject: Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections 
Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find out. My 
gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the past 4 
years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)

Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem lol). But 
some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard to bring any 
influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting documentation, i.e you can't 
even talk to a human being about it.

To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts 
beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help 
sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity for a 
start. 
The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from hundreds 
of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support process into 
that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be easy to overpromise 
and underdeliver. 

What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our developing 
communities, but they are one of many factors in deciding a Wikimania location. 
One country that might be visa-friendly to one, is prohibitively expensive to 
get to/stay in for another. 
So while Australia might be relaxed in terms of visas (I'm not confident of 
this btw) it's also objectively remote/expensive.

Whether a location has achieved that balance is always a question, and I can't 
think of one Wikimania where everyone's agreed it has ;-)

Stuart 

On 22 June 2017 at 12:12, Nkansah Rexford  wrote:
It is easy to conclude the location hinders visa application acceptance. As 
much as it appears to be so, I strongly believe if there's good enough Visa 
support and assistance from the Wikimania Team/WMF, rejected cases could be low.
Obviously, an applicant should have documents intact and good, and submit all 
the necessary details the embassy wants, including the invitation letter. 
However, in some countries, that ain't enough.
In 2012, the invitation letter I submitted to the consular at the US embassy 
here in Ghana, she didn't read, and I could see from her face how nonsense it 
looked to her. Heck, anybody anywhere could conjure such a sheet of paper with 
black ink on, any time any day. Plus, the consular had NO idea what Wikimedia 
was. There was no way I could explain what Wikimedia is in the few seconds I 
had in front of the teller-like counter. 
Wiki? WikiLeaks? Duh!
As much a mere letter of invitation is formal to some extent, to what extent is 
the WMF also willing to support visa applications outside just the letter?
Not saying WMF should do exactly same, but I know other organizations that pick 
up the phone, and call the local embassy of the invitee way ahead of time to 
initialize conversations and to explain to *what extent* whoever they've 
invited fits in the about-to-happen event. 
The embassy in many cases, asks questions they won't otherwise ask the 
applicant, but would, to the inviting organization.
This visa issue, until the WMF *truly assist*, some countries will still 
struggle getting accepted visa. 
It is not easy, and it ain't something just a letter wipes away. 
rex
PS: I know cases where rejected visa are reconsidered and approved just because 
the inviting organization literally stepped in, and got serious with the 
embassy.
On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Bodhisattwa Mandal  
wrote:
Hi,
The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global south 
this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from these 
countries.
This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from India 
and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from Indian 
part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting. Although I 
am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but may be news of 
more rejections are coming soon. 
Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those 
countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a 
6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented. 
Best wishes,

Bodhisattwa


___

Wikimania-l mailing list

Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org

https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l





___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Lodewijk]

On Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 1:24 PM, Stuart Prior  wrote:

> Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find
> out. My gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the
> past 4 years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)
>

That would be good for perspective - I don't know any better than that
there are complaints about scholarship rejections each year. Mexico may
indeed have been the 'easiest'. But of course, rejections don't only happen
to scholarship recipients, but also to self- or externally funded
participants. I can imagine you won't have access to that data unless it's
reported, though.


>
> Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem lol).
> But some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard to
> bring any influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting documentation,
> i.e you can't even talk to a human being about it.
>
> To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts
> beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help
> sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity
> for a start.
> The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from
> hundreds of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support
> process into that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be
> easy to overpromise and underdeliver.
>
> What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our
> developing communities, but they are one of many factors in deciding a
> Wikimania location.
> One country that might be visa-friendly to one, is prohibitively expensive
> to get to/stay in for another.
> So while Australia might be relaxed in terms of visas (I'm not confident
> of this btw) it's also objectively remote/expensive.
>
> Whether a location has achieved that balance is always a question, and I
> can't think of one Wikimania where everyone's agreed it has ;-)
>
> Stuart
>
> On 22 June 2017 at 12:12, Nkansah Rexford 
> wrote:
>
>> It is easy to conclude the location hinders visa application acceptance.
>> As much as it appears to be so, I strongly believe if there's good enough
>> Visa support and assistance from the Wikimania Team/WMF, rejected cases
>> could be low.
>>
>> Obviously, an applicant should have documents intact and good, and submit
>> all the necessary details the embassy wants, including the invitation
>> letter. However, in some countries, that ain't enough.
>>
>> In 2012, the invitation letter I submitted to the consular at the US
>> embassy here in Ghana, she didn't read, and I could see from her face how
>> nonsense it looked to her. Heck, anybody anywhere could conjure such a
>> sheet of paper with black ink on, any time any day. Plus, the consular had
>> NO idea what Wikimedia was. There was no way I could explain what Wikimedia
>> is in the few seconds I had in front of the teller-like counter.
>>
>> Wiki? WikiLeaks? Duh!
>>
>> As much a mere letter of invitation is formal to some extent, to what
>> extent is the WMF also willing to support visa applications outside just
>> the letter?
>>
>> Not saying WMF should do exactly same, but I know other organizations
>> that pick up the phone, and call the local embassy of the invitee way ahead
>> of time to initialize conversations and to explain to *what extent* whoever
>> they've invited fits in the about-to-happen event.
>>
>> The embassy in many cases, asks questions they won't otherwise ask the
>> applicant, but would, to the inviting organization.
>>
>> This visa issue, until the WMF *truly assist*, some countries will still
>> struggle getting accepted visa.
>>
>> It is not easy, and it ain't something just a letter wipes away.
>>
>> rex
>>
>> PS: I know cases where rejected visa are reconsidered and approved just
>> because the inviting organization literally stepped in, and got serious
>> with the embassy.
>>
>> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Bodhisattwa Mandal <
>> bodhisattwa.rg...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from
>>> global south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian
>>> embassies from these countries.
>>>
>>> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4
>>> from India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients
>>> from Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are
>>> waiting. Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship
>>> recipients, but may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>>>
>>> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in
>>> those countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even
>>> for a 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly
>>> presented.
>>>
>>> Best wishes,
>>> Bodhisattwa
>>>
>>
>> 

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Nkansah Rexford]

Well, the goal won't be to *influence* or whatnot. That isn't gonna work.
The goal is to provide extra details and answer questions that might come
up.

Some systems aren't entirely closed. From the outside, it looks closed, but
a closer look reveals there's the option for recognized organizations
(keyword is "recognized") to stretch a hand.

Not all embassies in varied countries run the same. But the question is,
has there been any attempt (stunt) of that sort pulled off ever?

And after spending a load ton of effort in organizing, if the
invitees don't get to come, does that not bring us to where we began?

It ain't an easy or going to be an easy task. However, trying to dodge that
also opens the opportunity for rejections easily.

Of course, it feels like a lottery. However, if there's anything one could
do to tip the chances of 'winning' the lottery a bit to the bright side,
won't that be a worthwhile effort, no matter how hard?

rex

On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Stuart Prior 
wrote:

> Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find
> out. My gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the
> past 4 years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)
>
> Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem lol).
> But some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard to
> bring any influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting documentation,
> i.e you can't even talk to a human being about it.
>
> To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts
> beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help
> sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity
> for a start.
> The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from
> hundreds of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support
> process into that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be
> easy to overpromise and underdeliver.
>
> What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our
> developing communities, but they are one of many factors in deciding a
> Wikimania location.
> One country that might be visa-friendly to one, is prohibitively expensive
> to get to/stay in for another.
> So while Australia might be relaxed in terms of visas (I'm not confident
> of this btw) it's also objectively remote/expensive.
>
> Whether a location has achieved that balance is always a question, and I
> can't think of one Wikimania where everyone's agreed it has ;-)
>
> Stuart
>
> On 22 June 2017 at 12:12, Nkansah Rexford  > wrote:
>
>> It is easy to conclude the location hinders visa application acceptance.
>> As much as it appears to be so, I strongly believe if there's good enough
>> Visa support and assistance from the Wikimania Team/WMF, rejected cases
>> could be low.
>>
>> Obviously, an applicant should have documents intact and good, and submit
>> all the necessary details the embassy wants, including the invitation
>> letter. However, in some countries, that ain't enough.
>>
>> In 2012, the invitation letter I submitted to the consular at the US
>> embassy here in Ghana, she didn't read, and I could see from her face how
>> nonsense it looked to her. Heck, anybody anywhere could conjure such a
>> sheet of paper with black ink on, any time any day. Plus, the consular had
>> NO idea what Wikimedia was. There was no way I could explain what Wikimedia
>> is in the few seconds I had in front of the teller-like counter.
>>
>> Wiki? WikiLeaks? Duh!
>>
>> As much a mere letter of invitation is formal to some extent, to what
>> extent is the WMF also willing to support visa applications outside just
>> the letter?
>>
>> Not saying WMF should do exactly same, but I know other organizations
>> that pick up the phone, and call the local embassy of the invitee way ahead
>> of time to initialize conversations and to explain to *what extent* whoever
>> they've invited fits in the about-to-happen event.
>>
>> The embassy in many cases, asks questions they won't otherwise ask the
>> applicant, but would, to the inviting organization.
>>
>> This visa issue, until the WMF *truly assist*, some countries will still
>> struggle getting accepted visa.
>>
>> It is not easy, and it ain't something just a letter wipes away.
>>
>> rex
>>
>> PS: I know cases where rejected visa are reconsidered and approved just
>> because the inviting organization literally stepped in, and got serious
>> with the embassy.
>>
>> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Bodhisattwa Mandal <
>> bodhisattwa.rg...@gmail.com
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from
>>> global south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian
>>> embassies from these countries.
>>>
>>> 

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Deryck Chan]

In 2013, a number of Wikimania attendees had their Hong Kong visas stuck in
the pipeline at the local Chinese embassies with no response to any
enquiry. A month before Wikimania, a local sponsor of Wikimania 2013
(DotAsia) agreed to be guarantor and negotiated directly with the
Immigration Department of Hong Kong to secure the visas. The visas were
then sent by registered mail to attendees. Much of that work involved me
personally going to the Immigration Department headquarters in Hong Kong
every working day for several weeks to get the paperwork right. In the end,
we saved about a dozen visa applications and only one person was unable to
come to Hong Kong due to visa issues.

I'm not sure about the Canadian system, but it is likely that Wikimedia
Canada and the Wikimania committee can request the visa-issuing authorities
in Canada to review the applications. The first steps would be to check who
the relevant authorities are, and to ask all applicants with rejected visa
applications to send the Wikimania organisers the details of rejection.

Re GN - Visa processes are usually the reverse of what you suggested.
Normally the host organisation issues their invitation, confirms travel and
accommodation arrangements, then the applicant goes to the relevant
embassy. It is not feasible to apply for a visa before one makes travel
arrangements.

Deryck

On 22 June 2017 at 11:13, Gnangarra  wrote:

> These issues are a symptom of the closed processes that have occurred
> firstly with Montreal and next year with middle eastern attendees to Cape
> Town .  Acknowledging that the change was because of the amount effort put
> in by unsuccessful bidders was said to be wasted its showing that some
> things need to be opened for community discussion before decisions are
> made.
>
>  That it may be better for the WMF to require applicants to first obtain a
> visa before being confirmed for the scholarships in the future.
> Perth/Australia is another place that visas for attendees wouldnt have been
> a big issue.
>
> On 22 June 2017 at 17:43, cs  wrote:
>
>> That’s one of the  reasons why  I  proposed Bangkok, Thailand, for 2019 -
>> apart  from its extremely tolerant  social cultures and very  low cost,
>> while being  a very  modern hi-tech city easily  accessible by  direct
>>  flights from most  parts of the world. Almost  everyone can enter the
>> country  for  at  least  15  days without  even a visa. Thailand only makes
>> it difficult for people wanting to stay longer (years) in the country  on
>> the pretext  of being  tourists.
>>
>> It’s a shame for the visa refusals, but  perhaps this will open up the
>> possibility to some refused scholarship applications.
>>
>> Kudpung.
>>
>> On 22Jun, 2017, at 16:23, Bodhisattwa Mandal 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global
>> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from
>> these countries.
>>
>> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from
>> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from
>> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting.
>> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but
>> may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>>
>> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in
>> those countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even
>> for a 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly
>> presented.
>>
>> Best wishes,
>> Bodhisattwa
>> ___
>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> GN.
> President Wikimedia Australia
> WMAU: http://www.wikimedia.org.au/wiki/User:Gnangarra
> Photo Gallery: http://gnangarra.redbubble.com
>
>
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Stuart Prior]

Lodewijk, AFAIK we've never kept track of rejections, but I could find out.
My gut feeling is that there hasn't been a massive variation over the past
4 years, I think Mexico City was the most open to everybody (?)

Rexford, possibly (and yeah Wiki = Wikileaks is *always* a problem lol).
But some visa systems are very closed and bureaucratic and it's hard to
bring any influence or assistance to bear beyond supporting documentation,
i.e you can't even talk to a human being about it.

To *truly assist* some of it would involve building political contacts
beforehand to advocate for visas (i.e your local representative can help
sometimes), that's a possibility but may create other problems, capacity
for a start.
The logistics of organising travel/accomm for hundreds of people from
hundreds of locations is already onerous, adding an intensive visa support
process into that it when some visa systems feel like a lottery would be
easy to overpromise and underdeliver.

What strikes me here is that visas are a problem for people from our
developing communities, but they are one of many factors in deciding a
Wikimania location.
One country that might be visa-friendly to one, is prohibitively expensive
to get to/stay in for another.
So while Australia might be relaxed in terms of visas (I'm not confident of
this btw) it's also objectively remote/expensive.

Whether a location has achieved that balance is always a question, and I
can't think of one Wikimania where everyone's agreed it has ;-)

Stuart

On 22 June 2017 at 12:12, Nkansah Rexford  wrote:

> It is easy to conclude the location hinders visa application acceptance.
> As much as it appears to be so, I strongly believe if there's good enough
> Visa support and assistance from the Wikimania Team/WMF, rejected cases
> could be low.
>
> Obviously, an applicant should have documents intact and good, and submit
> all the necessary details the embassy wants, including the invitation
> letter. However, in some countries, that ain't enough.
>
> In 2012, the invitation letter I submitted to the consular at the US
> embassy here in Ghana, she didn't read, and I could see from her face how
> nonsense it looked to her. Heck, anybody anywhere could conjure such a
> sheet of paper with black ink on, any time any day. Plus, the consular had
> NO idea what Wikimedia was. There was no way I could explain what Wikimedia
> is in the few seconds I had in front of the teller-like counter.
>
> Wiki? WikiLeaks? Duh!
>
> As much a mere letter of invitation is formal to some extent, to what
> extent is the WMF also willing to support visa applications outside just
> the letter?
>
> Not saying WMF should do exactly same, but I know other organizations that
> pick up the phone, and call the local embassy of the invitee way ahead of
> time to initialize conversations and to explain to *what extent* whoever
> they've invited fits in the about-to-happen event.
>
> The embassy in many cases, asks questions they won't otherwise ask the
> applicant, but would, to the inviting organization.
>
> This visa issue, until the WMF *truly assist*, some countries will still
> struggle getting accepted visa.
>
> It is not easy, and it ain't something just a letter wipes away.
>
> rex
>
> PS: I know cases where rejected visa are reconsidered and approved just
> because the inviting organization literally stepped in, and got serious
> with the embassy.
>
> On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Bodhisattwa Mandal <
> bodhisattwa.rg...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global
>> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from
>> these countries.
>>
>> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from
>> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from
>> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting.
>> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but
>> may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>>
>> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in
>> those countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even
>> for a 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly
>> presented.
>>
>> Best wishes,
>> Bodhisattwa
>>
>
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Nkansah Rexford]

It is easy to conclude the location hinders visa application acceptance. As
much as it appears to be so, I strongly believe if there's good enough Visa
support and assistance from the Wikimania Team/WMF, rejected cases could be
low.

Obviously, an applicant should have documents intact and good, and submit
all the necessary details the embassy wants, including the invitation
letter. However, in some countries, that ain't enough.

In 2012, the invitation letter I submitted to the consular at the US
embassy here in Ghana, she didn't read, and I could see from her face how
nonsense it looked to her. Heck, anybody anywhere could conjure such a
sheet of paper with black ink on, any time any day. Plus, the consular had
NO idea what Wikimedia was. There was no way I could explain what Wikimedia
is in the few seconds I had in front of the teller-like counter.

Wiki? WikiLeaks? Duh!

As much a mere letter of invitation is formal to some extent, to what
extent is the WMF also willing to support visa applications outside just
the letter?

Not saying WMF should do exactly same, but I know other organizations that
pick up the phone, and call the local embassy of the invitee way ahead of
time to initialize conversations and to explain to *what extent* whoever
they've invited fits in the about-to-happen event.

The embassy in many cases, asks questions they won't otherwise ask the
applicant, but would, to the inviting organization.

This visa issue, until the WMF *truly assist*, some countries will still
struggle getting accepted visa.

It is not easy, and it ain't something just a letter wipes away.

rex

PS: I know cases where rejected visa are reconsidered and approved just
because the inviting organization literally stepped in, and got serious
with the embassy.

On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Bodhisattwa Mandal 
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global
> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from
> these countries.
>
> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from
> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from
> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting.
> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but
> may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>
> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those
> countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a
> 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented.
>
> Best wishes,
> Bodhisattwa
>
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Lodewijk]

I wonder, do we keep track of the number of visa rejections year over year,
so that we know in comparison?

There are of course many factors that go into venue selection - one of them
is visa (another is security, political stability etc). The countries that
I remember going relatively smoothly were the ones where the organizers
sought a collaboration with the foreign affairs of their country, to get
some help. I don't know if Wikimedia Canada was able to accomplish that.
But it does mean that a general bad reputation is not necessarily a bad
rejection rate for this particular conference. (if memory serves me well,
WMIL did a great job in this respect in 2011, for example)

Lodewijk

On Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 12:48 PM, Felix Nartey  wrote:

> This is a big issue and I think should be looked into more seriously.
> Similar challenges were faced by participants from the Global South
> selected to attend the CC Summit in Toronto early this year.
>
> This should inform future selection for all conference venues as it allows
> for poor representation of the Global South at international conferences.
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 10:13 AM, Gnangarra  wrote:
>
>> These issues are a symptom of the closed processes that have occurred
>> firstly with Montreal and next year with middle eastern attendees to Cape
>> Town .  Acknowledging that the change was because of the amount effort put
>> in by unsuccessful bidders was said to be wasted its showing that some
>> things need to be opened for community discussion before decisions are
>> made.
>>
>>  That it may be better for the WMF to require applicants to first obtain
>> a visa before being confirmed for the scholarships in the future.
>> Perth/Australia is another place that visas for attendees wouldnt have been
>> a big issue.
>>
>> On 22 June 2017 at 17:43, cs  wrote:
>>
>>> That’s one of the  reasons why  I  proposed Bangkok, Thailand, for 2019
>>> - apart  from its extremely tolerant  social cultures and very  low cost,
>>> while being  a very  modern hi-tech city easily  accessible by  direct
>>>  flights from most  parts of the world. Almost  everyone can enter the
>>> country  for  at  least  15  days without  even a visa. Thailand only makes
>>> it difficult for people wanting to stay longer (years) in the country  on
>>> the pretext  of being  tourists.
>>>
>>> It’s a shame for the visa refusals, but  perhaps this will open up the
>>> possibility to some refused scholarship applications.
>>>
>>> Kudpung.
>>>
>>> On 22Jun, 2017, at 16:23, Bodhisattwa Mandal <
>>> bodhisattwa.rg...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from
>>> global south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian
>>> embassies from these countries.
>>>
>>> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4
>>> from India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients
>>> from Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are
>>> waiting. Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship
>>> recipients, but may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>>>
>>> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in
>>> those countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even
>>> for a 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly
>>> presented.
>>>
>>> Best wishes,
>>> Bodhisattwa
>>> ___
>>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
>>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> GN.
>> President Wikimedia Australia
>> WMAU: http://www.wikimedia.org.au/wiki/User:Gnangarra
>> Photo Gallery: http://gnangarra.redbubble.com
>>
>>
>> ___
>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> *Felix Nartey*
> *Cofounder/Director Finance & Admin*
> *Open Foundation West Africa *
> *+233242844987 <+233%2024%20284%204987> | +447440959477
> <+44%207440%20959477>*
> *Skype:Flixtey*
>
>
>
>
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Felix Nartey]

This is a big issue and I think should be looked into more seriously.
Similar challenges were faced by participants from the Global South
selected to attend the CC Summit in Toronto early this year.

This should inform future selection for all conference venues as it allows
for poor representation of the Global South at international conferences.

Cheers,



On Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 10:13 AM, Gnangarra  wrote:

> These issues are a symptom of the closed processes that have occurred
> firstly with Montreal and next year with middle eastern attendees to Cape
> Town .  Acknowledging that the change was because of the amount effort put
> in by unsuccessful bidders was said to be wasted its showing that some
> things need to be opened for community discussion before decisions are
> made.
>
>  That it may be better for the WMF to require applicants to first obtain a
> visa before being confirmed for the scholarships in the future.
> Perth/Australia is another place that visas for attendees wouldnt have been
> a big issue.
>
> On 22 June 2017 at 17:43, cs  wrote:
>
>> That’s one of the  reasons why  I  proposed Bangkok, Thailand, for 2019 -
>> apart  from its extremely tolerant  social cultures and very  low cost,
>> while being  a very  modern hi-tech city easily  accessible by  direct
>>  flights from most  parts of the world. Almost  everyone can enter the
>> country  for  at  least  15  days without  even a visa. Thailand only makes
>> it difficult for people wanting to stay longer (years) in the country  on
>> the pretext  of being  tourists.
>>
>> It’s a shame for the visa refusals, but  perhaps this will open up the
>> possibility to some refused scholarship applications.
>>
>> Kudpung.
>>
>> On 22Jun, 2017, at 16:23, Bodhisattwa Mandal 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global
>> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from
>> these countries.
>>
>> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from
>> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from
>> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting.
>> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but
>> may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>>
>> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in
>> those countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even
>> for a 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly
>> presented.
>>
>> Best wishes,
>> Bodhisattwa
>> ___
>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> Wikimania-l mailing list
>> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> GN.
> President Wikimedia Australia
> WMAU: http://www.wikimedia.org.au/wiki/User:Gnangarra
> Photo Gallery: http://gnangarra.redbubble.com
>
>
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>


-- 
*Felix Nartey*
*Cofounder/Director Finance & Admin*
*Open Foundation West Africa *
*+233242844987 | +447440959477*
*Skype:Flixtey*
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Gnangarra]

These issues are a symptom of the closed processes that have occurred
firstly with Montreal and next year with middle eastern attendees to Cape
Town .  Acknowledging that the change was because of the amount effort put
in by unsuccessful bidders was said to be wasted its showing that some
things need to be opened for community discussion before decisions are
made.

 That it may be better for the WMF to require applicants to first obtain a
visa before being confirmed for the scholarships in the future.
Perth/Australia is another place that visas for attendees wouldnt have been
a big issue.

On 22 June 2017 at 17:43, cs  wrote:

> That’s one of the  reasons why  I  proposed Bangkok, Thailand, for 2019 -
> apart  from its extremely tolerant  social cultures and very  low cost,
> while being  a very  modern hi-tech city easily  accessible by  direct
>  flights from most  parts of the world. Almost  everyone can enter the
> country  for  at  least  15  days without  even a visa. Thailand only makes
> it difficult for people wanting to stay longer (years) in the country  on
> the pretext  of being  tourists.
>
> It’s a shame for the visa refusals, but  perhaps this will open up the
> possibility to some refused scholarship applications.
>
> Kudpung.
>
> On 22Jun, 2017, at 16:23, Bodhisattwa Mandal 
> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global
> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from
> these countries.
>
> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from
> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from
> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting.
> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but
> may be news of more rejections are coming soon.
>
> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those
> countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a
> 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented.
>
> Best wishes,
> Bodhisattwa
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>
>
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
>
>


-- 
GN.
President Wikimedia Australia
WMAU: http://www.wikimedia.org.au/wiki/User:Gnangarra
Photo Gallery: http://gnangarra.redbubble.com
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[cs]

That’s one of the  reasons why  I  proposed Bangkok, Thailand, for 2019 - apart 
 from its extremely tolerant  social cultures and very  low cost, while being  
a very  modern hi-tech city easily  accessible by  direct  flights from most  
parts of the world. Almost  everyone can enter the country  for  at  least  15  
days without  even a visa. Thailand only makes it difficult for people wanting 
to stay longer (years) in the country  on the pretext  of being  tourists.

It’s a shame for the visa refusals, but  perhaps this will open up the 
possibility to some refused scholarship applications. 

Kudpung.
> On 22Jun, 2017, at 16:23, Bodhisattwa Mandal  
> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global 
> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from 
> these countries.
> 
> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from 
> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from 
> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting. 
> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but may 
> be news of more rejections are coming soon.
> 
> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those 
> countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a 
> 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented.
> 
> Best wishes,
> Bodhisattwa
> 
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

Re: [Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Leon Liesener]

+1, I'm as well shocked to hear of so many unsuccessful visa applications this 
year.

Regards,
Leon

> Am 2017-06-22 um 11:23 schrieb Bodhisattwa Mandal 
> :
> 
> Hi,
> 
> The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global 
> south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from 
> these countries.
> 
> This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from 
> India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from 
> Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting. 
> Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but may 
> be news of more rejections are coming soon.
> 
> Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those 
> countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a 
> 6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented.
> 
> Best wishes,
> Bodhisattwa
> 
> ___
> Wikimania-l mailing list
> Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l

[Wikimania-l] Visa rejections

[Bodhisattwa Mandal]

Hi,

The main topic of discussion among the scholarship recipients from global
south this month is the high visa rejection rate by Canadian embassies from
these countries.

This year, we had 7 scholarship recipients from Bengali community, 4 from
India and 3 from Bangladesh. Already 3 out of 4 scholarship recipients from
Indian part of the communities got their visa rejected, others are waiting.
Although I am hoping for the best for all the scholarship recipients, but
may be news of more rejections are coming soon.

Wikimania should be organised in a visa friendly country, and not in those
countries where global south citizens are not allowed to enter even for a
6-days conference. Otherwise, a global community is not truly presented.

Best wishes,
Bodhisattwa
___
Wikimania-l mailing list
Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org
https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l