Breaking Barriers: Visa Struggles and the Lost Voices of the Global South

Every year, as the calendar fills up with conferences and events in the fields of technology, governance, and digital rights, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Excitement because these gatherings are where ideas flourish, connections are forged, and solutions are shaped. Apprehension because, as someone from the Global South, I know all too well the invisible barriers that often keep us out—visa restrictions.

This year was particularly frustrating for me. Despite being invited to speak, share, and learn at some of the most important events in my field, visa issues blocked my participation not once, not twice, but multiple times.

The Value of Being in the Room

For me, conferences aren’t just professional gatherings; they’re windows into a bigger world. They’re opportunities to learn about the latest innovations, exchange ideas, and share local perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. They’re also spaces where collaborations are born—projects that can change lives and policies that can shape the future.

But most importantly, these events are about representation. As someone working in technology and governance, I see how vital it is to have voices from the Global South in the room. We bring a different lens—grounded in the realities of digital inequities, restrictive policies, and the unique challenges of our communities.

Our voices aren’t just additions; they’re essential. Without them, discussions lack the diversity needed to address global challenges effectively.

Missed Opportunities in 2024

This year, the visa process became an all-too-familiar obstacle.

In April, I was preparing to attend the NetMundial+10 conference in Brazil—an event focused on the future of Internet governance. My excitement was cut short when my visa application was denied. Months of preparation and anticipation were wasted in an instant.

In December, the Global IGF in Saudi Arabia was set to take place—a rare chance to engage in discussions on digital rights right here in my region. Yet, despite my enthusiasm, the late issuance of my visa meant I had to cancel my trip. Missing this was a deep disappointment, not just professionally but personally, as it was a chance to connect with others working on the same challenges.

Now, as we approach March 2025, I’m grappling with delays in obtaining a visa for the ICANN82 Fellowship in the United States. Being selected as a fellow is an honor, but the uncertainty of whether I’ll actually be able to attend is disheartening.

These aren’t isolated incidents. Many colleagues from the Global South face similar hurdles. I’ve heard stories of professionals unable to attend IGF 2023 in Japan or RightsCon 2023 in Costa Rica because of visa challenges. These barriers are not just personal inconveniences—they’re systemic failures.

Why Inclusion Matters

When professionals from the Global South are excluded from these spaces, everyone loses. We lose the chance to learn, to connect, and to bring back solutions tailored to our contexts. But the global community loses just as much.

We bring a different set of experiences to the table. We know what it’s like to work with limited resources, to navigate policies that don’t always support innovation, and to advocate for digital rights in environments where those rights are still fragile.

When we’re not in the room, discussions are less nuanced, and solutions are less inclusive. For example, how can global digital policies address issues like misinformation or data sovereignty if they don’t include voices from regions most impacted by these challenges?

A Broken System

The visa process is often arbitrary, opaque, and disproportionately burdensome for those of us from the Global South. It feels like an endless loop of paperwork, interviews, and waiting—only to end in rejection or delays that render participation impossible.

And while some might argue for virtual participation as a solution, it’s not the same. There’s something irreplaceable about being in the room—about the side conversations, the serendipitous connections, and the energy of shared purpose.

What Needs to Change

This isn’t just my story; it’s a shared struggle for many. And it’s one that needs to change.

1. Streamlined Visa Processes: Governments must recognize the importance of these events and prioritize visas for professionals attending them.

2. Advocacy by Organizers: Conference organizers can play a bigger role by working with governments to ensure easier access for participants.

3. Regional Rotations: Hosting more global events in the Global South can reduce the barriers for local participants and promote regional inclusion.

4. Long-Term Solutions: Establishing professional travel visa programs for regular attendees could save time and resources for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

As 2024 comes to a close, I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and hope. Frustration at the missed opportunities, but hope that by sharing these experiences, we can spark a conversation about change.

For those of us in the Global South, attending these conferences isn’t just about professional growth. It’s about representing our communities, sharing our stories, and ensuring that global solutions are truly global.

I dream of a day when these barriers no longer exist—when we can move freely to collaborate, learn, and innovate together. Until then, I’ll keep pushing for change, one visa application at a time. The world is richer when all voices are heard. Let’s work to ensure that no one is left behind.