Denmark denies visa to Somali student over passport, despite EU scholarship

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A 30-year-old Somali student, Mustaf MohaThirty-six of Mustaf’s peers have written an appeal letter to the Danish Immigration Appeals Boardmed  Takoy, has been denied a Danish study visa despite being awarded a full scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Copenhagen due to issues with his Somali passport.

Mustaf won a scholarship last year to begin a master’s program in Environment and International Development, planning to start in September. He submitted his visa application following standard procedures, hoping to commence his studies on time. However, two months later, his visa was rejected.

The Danish Immigration Service (SIRI) informed Mustaf that the Danish government does not recognize the Somali passport as a valid travel document. This decision came despite Mustaf holding a full scholarship, health insurance, and official acceptance from the university.

“Imagine someone holding a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship from the University of Copenhagen being denied because of their passport. I didn’t choose to be born in Somalia; no one chooses where they are born,” Mustaf said.

Thirty-six of Mustaf’s peers have written an appeal letter to the Danish Immigration Appeals Board, urging reconsideration of the decision. Mustaf himself has filed an appeal and paid the required fee of $140, but has yet to receive a response.

Despite expressing fatigue, Mustaf remains hopeful. He said he plans to reapply for the scholarship next year, hoping for a different outcome.

GAROWE ONLINE