Moroccan Ambassador to France Calls for More Equitable Schengen Visa Process

Key Points:  

1. Morocco’s Ambassador to France advocates for a more equitable Schengen visa process for Moroccan applicants.  
2. Ambassador Samira Sitail emphasized the need to address systemic issues, warning that the credibility of the visa issuance system is at risk.  
3. Annually, a significant number of Moroccans apply for French Schengen visas, facing challenges such as high fees, long waiting times, and rejections.

Moroccan Ambassador Calls for Reform in Schengen Visa Practices

Samira Sitail, Morocco’s Ambassador to France, has urged Schengen member states to address ongoing challenges faced by Moroccan nationals applying for visas. Highlighting the disproportionate rejection rates and high fees associated with applications, Sitail described the current situation as "indecent" and called for immediate reforms to restore trust in the system.  

"Europe must address this issue. The credibility of the visa issuance process, especially for African nationals, is at stake," she said.  

Challenges in French Schengen Visa Applications for Moroccans

Many Moroccan citizens have voiced frustration with the strict rules and delays in securing French Schengen visas. Complaints include:  

• Long Processing Times: Applicants often wait extended periods for decisions on their submissions.  
• Unfair Rejections: Even when providing all required documentation, many applications are denied without clear justification.  
• Limited Appointments: The scarcity of appointment slots has led applicants to rely on intermediaries, often at significant financial cost.  

This has raised concerns about accessibility and fairness in the visa application process.  

Morocco’s High Demand for French Schengen Visas

Data from 2023 shows that Moroccans submitted over 310,000 applications for French Schengen visas, making France the top destination for Moroccan travelers. Of these, 251,950 applications were approved, while 55,615 were rejected.  

Spain and Belgium followed as the next most popular Schengen destinations, with Moroccans filing 189,126 and 15,192 applications, respectively.  

Ambassador Sitail's call for reform underscores the need for systemic improvements to ensure fairer treatment for Moroccan applicants and safeguard the integrity of the Schengen visa process.