French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier has reported initial positive outcomes from the newly introduced video call system for Schengen visa applicants, which is being gradually expanded beyond Rabat to cities in northern Morocco, including Fez and Tangier.
In an interview with Hespress AR on visa procedures between Morocco and France, Lecourtier emphasized ongoing efforts to improve visa issuance rates for Moroccan applicants. He noted that Moroccan applicants face relatively low rejection rates compared to other countries.
The video call system, launched as a pilot program in September 2024, aims to combat the widespread issue of appointment scalping, where intermediaries book all available slots as soon as they are posted online. “To ensure fairness among applicants, we developed a system that verifies the identity of those booking appointments and randomly assigns slots,” Lecourtier explained.
Initially implemented only in Rabat, the system now applies to first-time visa applicants in northern Morocco (Rabat, Fez, and Tangier consular districts). Alongside this initiative, France has been working to speed up visa processing times, with an average turnaround of 15 days, except for first-time applicants.
Visa application centers operated by TLScontact are now open on Saturday mornings to accommodate applicants with weekday constraints.
France issued 283,023 visas to Moroccan nationals in 2024, marking a 15% increase from 2023 and doubling the figure from 2022. Morocco is now the second-largest recipient of French visas, following China. Despite this surge in demand, consular staff operate under fixed resources and significant pressure, Lecourtier acknowledged.
When asked whether strong Franco-Moroccan relations could further improve the visa process, Lecourtier highlighted the complexity of the system. He cited factors such as limited human resources, the necessity of consulting other Schengen states on new visa applications, and the ever-increasing demand.
However, he noted that positive diplomatic ties facilitate discussions on easing visa access for certain groups and addressing applicants’ concerns.
France has continued its policy of facilitating visa procedures for Moroccan students. In 2024, 11,545 Moroccan students applied to join the 50,000 already studying in France. Through Campus France, students receive tailored support and can now be accompanied by their parents during their relocation.
Additionally, France introduced a “fast-track pathway” in 2024 for Moroccan graduates of French higher education institutions. These alumni can now access priority visa appointments through the France Alumni Maroc platform.
While French law allows applicants to appeal visa rejections, Lecourtier emphasized that rejection rates for Moroccans remain relatively low compared to other nationalities. Most appeals, he explained, seek clarification on travel plans or provide additional documentation.
As France continues refining its visa policies, these adjustments aim to streamline access for Moroccan travelers while maintaining fair and transparent procedures.
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