Did Mama Anointed Really Get A French Passport? Here’s the Truth

In October 2024, a viral social media video posted by Mama Anointed, a Nigerian influencer known for her dramatic lifestyle, sparked widespread debate. The video, shared across platforms like Facebook and TikTok, showed Mama Anointed claiming she had been granted a French passport that would allow her to travel freely to all countries worldwide. However, her announcement quickly led to accusations of clout-chasing and deceit.

Many social media users, particularly in the Nigerian diaspora community, argued that the document she flaunted was not a full French citizen passport, but rather a French refugee passport. Given the controversy, we at MandyNews.com conducted a thorough fact check to provide clarity on this matter.

Who Are Mama Anointed and Papa Anointed?

Mama Anointed and her husband, Papa Anointed, are well-known Nigerian social media influencers from Edo State. Currently residing in France, the couple frequently shares dramatic content to engage their followers, using their larger-than-life personalities to generate buzz across platforms. Their content often revolves around their personal lives, and many of their videos go viral, earning them a loyal fanbase and significant revenue from social media monetization.

However, their penchant for controversy has also earned them critics who accuse them of exaggerating and fabricating stories to boost their online fame.

The Viral French Passport Video Explained

In the now-viral video, Mama Anointed proudly displayed what she claimed was a French passport. She asserted that with this passport, she could now travel to any country in the world without needing a visa. This claim triggered a heated debate, with many accusing her of lying. Critics argued that the document in question was not a French citizen passport, but rather a refugee travel document, officially known as a “titre de voyage pour réfugié.”

Fact-Checking the Claim: What Is a French Refugee Passport?

After investigating the situation, we confirmed that the document Mama Anointed presented is indeed a French travel document for refugees, not a full French citizen passport. The French travel document, known as a “titre de voyage pour réfugié”, is issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status in France. This travel document allows refugees to travel internationally but does not grant them French citizenship.

Key Facts About the French Refugee Travel Document:

1. Eligibility: Refugees or individuals with subsidiary protection status in France are eligible for this document. It is issued to those who do not have the right to obtain a passport from their country of origin.
2. Application Process: Refugees must apply for this document through the Préfecture (local administrative office) in the region where they reside. The application requires proof of refugee status, a valid residence permit, passport photos, and other supporting documents.
3. Validity: The travel document is typically valid for two to five years, depending on the individual’s protection status.
4. Travel Restrictions: Although the document allows travel to many countries, it does not provide visa-free access to every country. Some countries still require visas, and the document holder cannot use the document to travel to their country of origin.

Travel Opportunities with a French Refugee Passport

While Mama Anointed’s claim that she can travel “to all countries in the world” for free with the refugee passport is misleading, the document does allow for significant travel freedom within Europe, particularly in the Schengen Area. However, it does not provide visa-free access to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, or China.

With a French travel document for refugees (titre de voyage pour réfugié), refugees can travel to many countries, but visa requirements vary depending on the country. While some countries allow visa-free entry or visa on arrival for holders of this document, others require a visa before arrival. Here’s a general guide:

Visa-Free or Visa on Arrival Countries (subject to change)

These are examples of countries that may allow entry without a visa or with a visa on arrival for holders of a French refugee travel document. Always verify the most current rules as they can change:

1. Schengen Area (visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period):
   • Austria
   • Belgium
   • Czech Republic
   • Denmark
   • Finland
   • Germany
   • Greece
   • Hungary
   • Iceland
   • Italy
   • Latvia
   • Lithuania
   • Luxembourg
   • Malta
   • Netherlands
   • Norway
   • Poland
   • Portugal
   • Slovakia
   • Slovenia
   • Spain
   • Sweden
   • Switzerland
2. Other European Countries:
   • United Kingdom: Requires a visa but it’s typically not difficult to obtain for refugees.
   • Ireland: Visa required.
3. Countries Offering Visa on Arrival (may require additional documentation):
   • Turkey (you may need to apply for an e-visa online).
   • Malaysia: May allow visa on arrival depending on certain conditions.

Countries that Generally Require a Visa for French Refugee Travel Document Holders

• United States: Requires a visa (apply for a U.S. visa well in advance).
• Canada: Requires a visa.
• Australia: Requires a visa.
• Japan: Requires a visa.
• China: Requires a visa.
• India: Requires a visa.

Countries That Require a Visa:

Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and India require a visa for refugees traveling with the titre de voyage.

MandyNews.com’s Investigation: Breaking Down the Hoax

At MandyNews.com, we investigated the viral claim by cross-referencing official French immigration and refugee guidelines. Our research confirmed that while the titre de voyage pour réfugié grants some international travel privileges, it does not offer the same benefits as a French citizen passport.

The document allows for travel primarily within Europe, and visa requirements apply to many other destinations, contrary to what Mama Anointed implied in her video. Moreover, the refugee passport cannot be used to travel back to the refugee’s home country, as doing so may result in a revocation of refugee status.