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France Pushes for Tougher Schengen Visa Regulations in Response to Irregular Migration


October 9th, 2024 at 04:53 am

France Pushes for Tougher Schengen Visa Regulations in Response to Irregular Migration

More stringent Schengen visa regulations have been proposed by French Prime Minister Michel Barnier for nations who refuse to re-admit their citizens who are in France illegally. Concerns regarding irregular migration and repatriations have prompted the suggestion.

France, which primarily targets nations that refuse to readmit its citizens who are staying in the country irregularly, has suggested tougher regulations for the issuance of Schengen visas. The action is a part of France’s larger endeavor to guarantee national security and tighten control over its immigration laws.

Proposed Tougher Schengen Visa Regulations

Recently, Prime Minister Michel Barnier revealed measures to tighten the Schengen Visa procedure and regulations for nations that obstruct their nationals’ return home. Barnier stressed at a press conference that urgent action is needed since France is finding it difficult to keep control over its immigration policies.

Barnier did not state which nations would be the focus of the new restrictions, although indications indicate that Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco in particular may be the main targets. The consular passes that are required to deport citizens who are residing in France illegally have not been readily issued by these nations.

Event Initiates Action

The terrible Paris episode involving the murder of a Filipino student by a Moroccan national who had been ordered to leave France has prompted calls for tougher visa requirements. The French government is considering prolonging the detention terms of undocumented immigrants in extreme circumstances as a result of this episode, which has raised worries about irregular migration and national security.

Past Visa Reductions

France has earlier lowered the number of visas granted to people of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in 2021 in response to persistent problems with irregular migration. There were notable reductions in the number of visas: 50% for Algerians and Moroccans, and 30% for Tunisians. These nations’ nationals kept submitting a lot of applications for Schengen visas in spite of the decrease in available slots.

The high volume of 2023 visa applications

Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian nationals applied for visas to enter France in significant numbers in 2023. Schengen Visa Statistics state that:

  • 310,057 Moroccan nationals applied for visas.
  • 279,005 applications were lodged by Algerian nationals.
  • 85,917 applications were filed by citizens of Tunisia.

However, not every candidate was approved because of the restrictions on visas. Morocco issued 251,950 visas to its citizens, Algeria issued 185,832 visas, and Tunisia issued 71,451 visas. There were also a lot of rejections: 17,271 for Tunisians, 93,151 for Algerians, and 55,615 for Moroccans.

France’s current Schengen visa regulations

It is crucial to remember that, even if the proposed changes to the visa regulations are still being considered, visitors from non-EU nations who want to visit France must apply for a Schengen visa if they do not currently possess a passport from a nation that is exempt from the requirement. Important prerequisites consist of:

  • Valid passport: The passport needs to be valid for three months after the desired stay.
  • Travel insurance: Minimum standards must be met and coverage must be active for the whole trip.
  • Reservations for a hotel, hostel, or lodging with a host serve as proof of accommodations.
  • Evidence of financial capability: Enough money to pay for living expenses while visiting.
  • Proof of a validated ticket for exiting the Schengen region for a return or subsequent trip.
  • Although visa approvals can take longer based on the applicant’s nationality and the volume of applications, processing durations normally last between 15 and 30 days.

Final Thoughts

The current state of affairs in France suggests that visa regulations may be tightened even more, particularly for nations that refuse to assist in the return of undocumented migrants. The administration may take more action to strike a balance between security and its international obligations as long as France faces difficulties in controlling migration.

Follow us on Newsnowgh.com to stay updated on the latest information regarding work permits, visa application processes, paths to permanent residency, and visa-sponsored employment.

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