French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier has reported preliminary optimistic outcomes from the newly launched video name system for Schengen visa candidates, which is being steadily expanded past Rabat to cities in northern Morocco, together with Fez and Tangier.
In an interview with Hespress AR on visa procedures between Morocco and France, Lecourtier emphasised ongoing efforts to enhance visa issuance charges for Moroccan candidates. He famous that Moroccan candidates face comparatively low rejection charges in comparison with different international locations.
The video name system, launched as a pilot program in September 2024, goals to fight the widespread situation of appointment scalping, the place intermediaries guide all obtainable slots as quickly as they’re posted on-line. “To ensure fairness among applicants, we developed a system that verifies the identity of those booking appointments and randomly assigns slots,” Lecourtier defined.
Initially carried out solely in Rabat, the system now applies to first-time visa candidates in northern Morocco (Rabat, Fez, and Tangier consular districts). Alongside this initiative, France has been working to hurry up visa processing occasions, with a median turnaround of 15 days, apart from first-time candidates.
Visa utility facilities operated by TLScontact at the moment are open on Saturday mornings to accommodate candidates with weekday constraints.
France issued 283,023 visas to Moroccan nationals in 2024, marking a 15% improve from 2023 and doubling the determine from 2022. Morocco is now the second-largest recipient of French visas, following China. Despite this surge in demand, consular workers function below fastened sources and important stress, Lecourtier acknowledged.
When requested whether or not sturdy Franco-Moroccan relations may additional enhance the visa course of, Lecourtier highlighted the complexity of the system. He cited components similar to restricted human sources, the need of consulting different Schengen states on new visa functions, and the ever-increasing demand.
However, he famous that optimistic diplomatic ties facilitate discussions on easing visa entry for sure teams and addressing candidates’ issues.
France has continued its coverage of facilitating visa procedures for Moroccan college students. In 2024, 11,545 Moroccan college students utilized to affix the 50,000 already finding out in France. Through Campus France, college students obtain tailor-made assist and might now be accompanied by their mother and father throughout their relocation.
Additionally, France launched a “fast-track pathway” in 2024 for Moroccan graduates of French larger schooling establishments. These alumni can now entry precedence visa appointments by the France Alumni Maroc platform.
While French regulation permits candidates to enchantment visa rejections, Lecourtier emphasised that rejection charges for Moroccans stay comparatively low in comparison with different nationalities. Most appeals, he defined, search clarification on journey plans or present further documentation.
As France continues refining its visa insurance policies, these changes purpose to streamline entry for Moroccan vacationers whereas sustaining truthful and clear procedures.
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