A growing controversy is erupting across the Maghreb as citizens face mounting challenges in securing visas to France.
What was once a relatively straightforward process has turned into a maze of digital errors, opaque procedures, and bureaucratic silence—leaving thousands stranded in limbo.
Central to the backlash is “Capago,” the online platform introduced to streamline visa applications.
Intended to simplify access, it has instead become a source of widespread complaints.
Applicants in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco report chronic system failures: inaccessible booking appointments, unexplained error messages, and alerts stating applications are “already in progress” despite no previous submissions being completed.
“Officially, requests without a confirmed appointment should be canceled after 30 days,” one applicant noted.
“But in practice, the platform leaves us stuck for months with no way forward.”
The digital infrastructure, critics argue, is failing those it was designed to serve.
Many complain that the lack of human contact has created a wall of silence.
Automated messages replace any meaningful assistance, and attempts to seek clarification are met with dead ends. The result is a growing sense of exclusion and humiliation.
For new applicants especially, the hurdles are formidable. From the very first steps—accessing the portal or uploading documents—to the final appointment confirmation, each phase is riddled with glitches.
With no recourse or support, the frustration is palpable.
“This process makes you feel rejected,” said one frustrated user.
“You’re not denied the visa officially—but you’re not even allowed to apply.”
Beyond the technical failures lies a deeper issue: trust.
Many question whether the outsourcing of such sensitive procedures to private platforms like Capago can be justified without robust oversight.
Critics say the visa system, long seen as symbolic of France’s broader relationship with its former colonies, has become an emblem of inequality and systemic disregard.
The controversy comes amid broader geopolitical tensions and rising scrutiny over France’s immigration and visa policies.
In a region where historical ties with France remain strong but complex, the current situation is being viewed not just as a logistical failure, but a diplomatic misstep.
Unless swift reforms are implemented—including better transparency, improved technical infrastructure, and accessible human support—the damage to public confidence may be long-lasting.
What is at stake is more than access to a visa—it is the perception of fairness, dignity, and the right to engage with one of the region’s most significant partners on equal terms.
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