Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The ambassadors of the European Union member states agreed during a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to start negotiations and discussions to study the proposal to digitize the application procedures for obtaining Schengen visas. This will make the Schengen area safer while facilitating legitimate travel, such as tourism and business. According to the current Swedish Presidency of the Union
  According to a European statement. The proposal introduces the possibility of applying for a visa online and replacing the current visa sticker with a digital visa. It aims to make visa application procedures more efficient and improve security in the Schengen Area.
“The digital Schengen visa will make it easier for legitimate travelers to apply and at the same time help make the Schengen area safer. Online applications will reduce the number of trips to the consulate for travelers and make the process more seamless for national administrations. At the same time, the digital visa will put an end to the risks of visa sticker fraud and theft ". According to the statement, the statement quoted Maria Malmer Steinergaard, the Swedish Minister of Immigration
"The proposed new rules will create a platform for visa application. All applications for Schengen visas will be submitted through this platform, a single website, which will forward them to the relevant national visa systems on this platform," said the European statement distributed Wednesday in Brussels. Visa applicants will be able to provide all relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel documents and supporting documents, and pay their visa fees.They will also be notified of decisions regarding their visas.Personal appearance at the Consulate will only be necessary for first-time applicants, persons who have not Their biometric data is valid and those who have a new travel document.
When someone intends to visit several Schengen countries, the platform will automatically determine which one is responsible for examining the application based on the length of stay. However, the applicant will also have the possibility to indicate if the application needs to be processed by a particular Member State according to the purpose of travel.
Under the proposed new rules, visas will be issued in digital format, as a two-dimensional, cryptographically signed barcode. This will reduce the security risks related to fake and stolen visa stickers.
Recent immigration and security challenges have led to a significant change in the context of visa policy in the European Union. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly slowed down visa processes and created the need for more digital procedures.
At the same time, technological advances provide new security features and opportunities to make procedures smoother and more efficient, for both visa applicants and national authorities.
In this context, the Commission presented on April 27, 2022 a legislative proposal aimed at digitizing visa procedures.
On the basis of the negotiating mandate agreed today, the Council Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on the final wording.