European Union is on the verge of revolutionizing the Schengen visa system with the implementation of a new law that will transition the process to a predominantly digital platform.
This transformative move, once formally adopted, will enable most visa applicants to conveniently submit their applications online, offering a range of benefits, including ease, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. Matjaz Nemec, the lead Member of the European Parliament (MEP) overseeing this issue, has expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming changes and their potential to streamline the visa procedure.
The primary objective behind the introduction of this law is to enhance both convenience and security within the Schengen area. By shifting towards online applications, the risk of visa sticker falsification and theft will be significantly reduced.
This modernization initiative aligns with the recent decision made by the Italian Consulate in Morocco to terminate the intermediary company responsible for visa appointment bookings, opting to delegate this service to an alternative provider.
This decision came after Moroccan citizens protested the lack of available appointments. Moroccans were shocked to find a network of brokers demanding money in exchange for appointments.
Selvi said that these illegal practices will be addressed, leading to the suspension of visa appointments for a period of two weeks while measures are taken to put an end to these practices.
Currently, individuals seeking a Schengen visa are required to get a physical sticker for their passport. Under the new procedure, applicants will have the opportunity to upload the necessary documents and pay the fees through an online platform.
There will still be specific cases where in-person appointments at consulates or visa offices are necessary, such as for first-time applicants or individuals with new passports.
The EU will establish a dedicated visa application platform where all Schengen visa applications must be submitted. These applications will afterwards be sent to the respective national visa systems based on the countries applied to.
In cases where an individual plans to visit several Schengen countries, the platform will automatically determine the country responsible for visa approval based on the intended duration of stay.
The applicants will also have the option to specify their preferred processing location based on the purpose of their travel. The visa itself will be issued in a digital format, taking the form of a cryptographically signed 2D barcode.
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