Government has clarified that the German Embassy did not reject visa applications for 18 Members of Parliament scheduled to travel to Berlin and Turkey for an international conference.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe explained in a Ministerial Statement to Parliament that the applications fell short of the minimum processing timeframe required under Schengen visa regulations.
Mr. Haimbe emphasized that the incident is isolated, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently facilitated visas for MPs, government officials, and the general public. He further clarified that while MPs hold diplomatic passports, Schengen rules only allow ministers or persons of equivalent rank to qualify for fast-track processing.
As such, MPs are required to submit applications at least 10 to 15 days before travel to allow for administrative procedures.
The clarification follows claims by Bwana Mkubwa MP Warren Mwambazi last week that he and 17 colleagues were denied visas, prompting Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti to instruct then Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Ack Mwiimbu to issue a statement on the matter.
