Italian Embassy in Bangladesh Cautions Applicants Against Using Intermediaries for Schengen Visa Applications
Key Points
1. The Italian Embassy cautions Bangladeshi applicants against using intermediaries or submitting forged documents for visa applications.
2. These issues are contributing to delays in processing applications.
3. The Embassy plans to establish a task force to address the backlog of visa applications.
The Italian Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has issued a warning to visa applicants, advising them not to rely on intermediaries for their applications, as this is one of the factors causing delays in the processing of work visas.
Local media reported that the Embassy's clarification came after a peaceful protest by visa applicants outside the diplomatic office, urging faster processing of applications.
During a meeting with applicant representatives, the Deputy Head of Mission explained the reasons behind the lengthy delays and outlined the contributing factors.
Italian Embassy to Launch Task Force to Speed Up Application Processing
In the same meeting, the Embassy announced plans to establish a special task force in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. This initiative aims to reduce processing times and clear the backlog of visa applications.
Additionally, Italian authorities warned Bangladeshi applicants not to submit false or fraudulent documents, as this is illegal.
VFS Global remains the sole authorized agency by the Italian government for collecting applications and returning passports to applicants. However, as clarified by the Embassy, VFS Global has no involvement in setting appointments for Schengen visas. The Embassy handles appointments after thoroughly verifying applicants’ data.
In 2023, the Embassy processed nearly 40,000 visa applications, marking an all-time high.
Italy: Top Destination for Bangladeshi Applicants
According to SchengenVisaInfo, Bangladeshi nationals submitted 39,729 visa applications in 2023, with 13,705 (34%) directed to Italy, making it the top destination.
However, despite the high number of applications, Bangladeshi citizens face low approval rates for Schengen visas to Italy. In 2023, only 40.9% of applications were approved, compared to the EU average of 55.9%.
While the Netherlands had a 100% approval rate, it received just 11 applications. In contrast, Switzerland approved 77.8% of Bangladeshi applications (1,245 visas), and Germany had an approval rate of 75.2% (3,570 visas).