Former Miss Liberia and humanitarian advocate, Wokie Dolo, has called for a more transparent and people-centered approach in ongoing bilateral negotiations between Liberia and partner countries, particularly concerning visa accessibility and fairness in visa issuance. In a statement released in Monrovia on Thursday, Ms. Dolo acknowledged the recent diplomatic achievements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the leadership of Her Excellency Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, including the extension of existing bilateral arrangements that are expected to strengthen cooperation between Liberia and several countries.
However, she emphasized that such negotiations must also address the persistent challenges Liberians face in obtaining visas, despite paying substantial fees for applications that are often denied without clear justification. “Good is good, and bad is bad,” Ms. Dolo stated. “While we appreciate the progress being made in strengthening diplomatic ties and securing cooperation extensions, we must also ask that the issue of visa denials be given equal attention.
Our people labor hard for their money and deserve fair treatment in the visa process. It is not enough to celebrate an extension if access remains limited to only a few.” Ms. Dolo expressed concern that a large number of Liberians continue to be denied visas daily, even after paying non-refundable application fees. She noted that this issue not only affects individual travelers but also undermines confidence in the diplomatic process and people-to-people exchanges that are essential for genuine partnership between Liberia and other nations.
“They gain a lot of revenue from visa applications and denials, often without providing tangible reasons,” she said. “Therefore, these negotiations should not only focus on extending agreements but must also highlight and address these critical issues that directly affect ordinary citizens.” The former Miss Liberia stressed that the Government of Liberia’s diplomatic engagements should aim to promote equitable treatment for Liberians seeking to travel for education, business, tourism, or medical reasons. She added that diplomatic partnerships should lead to practical outcomes that improve accessibility, transparency, and mutual respect between nations.
“With these headlines, 500 people will apply today, and only 25 to 50 might be granted visas,” she lamented. “This imbalance must be discussed at the negotiation table. We are not just celebrating an extension of an agreement but should be ensuring that our citizens can actually benefit from these diplomatic achievements.” Ms. Dolo also used the opportunity to congratulate Minister Nyanti and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their tireless efforts in repositioning Liberia’s image on the global stage and expanding the nation’s diplomatic footprint.
She encouraged the Minister to continue her proactive engagement with partner governments and foreign missions, but with greater emphasis on ensuring that ordinary Liberians feel the tangible benefits of diplomacy in their daily lives. “Madam Minister, please deepen the conversation to that extent,” Ms. Dolo urged. “Let us make diplomacy not just about high-level agreements but about real access, fairness, and opportunity for the Liberian people.” Her remarks have since sparked discussions among Liberians at home and abroad, many of whom share similar frustrations over visa accessibility and support calls for more balanced and transparent visa policies between Liberia and its international partners.
Ms. Dolo concluded by reaffirming her confidence in the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its ongoing efforts to restore Liberia’s global standing. She expressed optimism that under Minister Nyanti’s stewardship, Liberia’s diplomatic engagements will evolve to prioritize people-centered outcomes that reflect the aspirations and needs of its citizens.
