Restrictive visa policies harm global scientific exchanges
Authors: Alexander Smith, Albert Persaud, Dinesh Bhugra, Afzal Javed, Michael Liebrenz
Journal: The Lancet (2024)

Representing 145 national bodies and over 250 000 members, the World Psychiatric Association promotes international collaborations across mental health. In September, 2023, the World Psychiatric Association World Congress of Psychiatry in Vienna, Austria, attracted around 4000 delegates. Yet, reports emerged from prospective participants who were unable to attend due to stringent visa requirements, including those from countries such as Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Despite an increasing emphasis towards cross-cultural diversity in global health, these accounts show how visa challenges continue to impede researcher mobility and scientific exchanges. Evidence shows that visa requirements can be substantial barriers for research-related travel, disproportionately affecting scholars in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).1Velin L Lartigue JW Johnson SA et al.Conference equity in global health: a systematic review of factors impacting LMIC representation at global health conferences.BMJ Glob Health. 2021; 6e003455Crossref PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar In one survey, over a third of African and Asian researchers encountered difficulties obtaining short-term travel visas, which was substantially more than their European or North American counterparts.2McInroy G Lichten C Iopollo B Parks S Guthrie S International movement and science: a survey of researchers by the Together Science Can campaign.https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2690.htmlDate: 2018Date accessed: January 18, 2024Google Scholar Likewise, a Royal Society report identified complex application processes and high refusal rates for academics from LMICs seeking to enter the UK.3The Royal SocietyThe borders of science. Making UK visas work for short-term researcher mobility.https://royalsociety.org/-/media/policy/Publications/2023/borders-of-science-july-2023.pdfDate: July, 2023Date accessed: January 18, 2024Google Scholar Visa issues can undermine the inclusivity of scientific meetings, hindering collaborative opportunities and bi-directional knowledge exchanges. In a globalised landscape where governments and institutions are competing for ties and influence, simplifying visa protocols for research purposes and increased goodwill towards applicants could be mutually beneficial. We believe that scholarly organisations have an obligation to advocate for inclusive short-term visa procedures, illustrating the value of wider scientific interactions. However, with a growing anti-migration rhetoric, these arguments could prove contentious. The substantial economic advantages that conferences bring to host locations could therefore be emphasised in these proposals. Equally, international associations must commit to organising an equitable distribution of their meetings in LMICs. We recognise that various factors can inform conference planning, including practical and security considerations. Nevertheless, this would help bridge scientific divides and facilitate wider cross-cultural engagement. Scholarly associations should prioritise financial assistance for visa costs, alongside opportunities for hybrid participation, which should not negate their responsibilities to host conferences in LMICs. As shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital solutions can contribute to international engagement, whilst accounting for economic constraints and climate-based concerns.4Tao Y Steckel D Klemeš JJ You F Trend towards virtual and hybrid conferences may be an effective climate change mitigation strategy.Nat Commun. 2021; 127324Crossref Scopus (65) Google Scholar Currently, visa restrictions are continuing to exacerbate disparities between countries, disrupting cross-cultural collaborations and academic diversity. If we are serious about addressing global health challenges, we must support knowledge sharing, researcher mobility, and allyship with policies that champion inclusivity and fair representation across the scientific community. AS and ML are members of the geopsychiatry special interest group of the World Psychiatric Association. AP is the co-chair of the geopsychiatry special interest group of the World Psychiatric Association. DB is a past president of the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and the World Psychiatric Association, and is a member of the geopsychiatry special interest group of the World Psychiatric Association. AJ is the past president of the World Psychiatric Association and is a member of the geopsychiatry special interest group of the World Psychiatric Association.