Delegation Member Describes Italy's Schengen Visa Process as Transparent and Well-Organized
Key Points:
- An Italian delegation member at the Council of Europe described Italy’s visa-issuing process as transparent, well-structured, and designed to balance free movement with immigration control.
- Criticism of long visa processing times has sparked concerns, especially among students from Türkiye, Iran, and Afghanistan.
- Protests have highlighted delays in issuing visas, with some applicants waiting months for decisions.
Italy’s Schengen Visa Regime: Balancing Transparency and Immigration Control
Simone Billi, a member of the Italian delegation at the Council of Europe, recently highlighted the strengths of Italy’s Schengen visa process. According to Billi, the system is transparent, codified, and adheres to the Visa Code, ensuring uniformity in decision-making.
Billi explained that Italy’s visa regime balances the need for free movement with the imperative to manage immigration. He emphasized that applicants seeking long-term visas must demonstrate valid reasons, consistent travel history, and compelling proof of frequent or regular travel requirements, such as for business or studies.
Criticism Over Long Processing Times
Despite the system’s structured nature, Italy has faced criticism for lengthy visa processing times. Recent protests by students from Türkiye, Iran, and Afghanistan have drawn attention to these delays.
In November, Turkish students admitted to Italian universities staged a protest outside the Italian Consulate in Istanbul, citing months-long delays jeopardizing their academic pursuits. Iranian students expressed similar frustrations, with some waiting up to 140 days for appointments. Afghan students have also raised concerns about prolonged wait times impacting their mental well-being.
These protests underscore the need for more efficient visa processing to ensure timely access for applicants.