Passport privilege highlights deep inequalities in global mobility, affecting opportunities, trade, and education, especially for African travelers.
As international travel evolves, the concept of "passport privilege" is a clear reminder that not all passports are created equal. This notion covers the varying degrees of freedom that different nations give to their citizens, determined by the number of countries their passport grants them access to without the need for a visa or through visa-on-arrival arrangements.
A glaring difference emerges when comparing the passport power of African nations to that of their Western equals. Seychelles, the African nation with the strongest passport, ranks a mere 24th globally, offering its citizens visa-free access to just 145 countries. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates reigns supreme, with its citizens enjoying unparalleled freedom to traverse 179 destinations without the hassle of visa requirements.
This phenomenon, often referred to as "travel apartheid," highlights the gap that separates the global north from the south, signaling how passport power can either unlock unmatched mobility and opportunity or erect strong barriers to international travel. The . . .
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