EU & Indian Authorities Hold Talks to Streamline Visa Appointments for Indian Students

Leaders of the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland have held discussions with India’s Ministry of External Affairs in order to streamline the visa appointments for students of India.

Such an announcement has been confirmed by a spokesperson from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

In addition, Bagchi revealed that discussions on the matter have also been held with authorities of countries outside the EU, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia as well as Canada, aiming to further facilitate the travel process for Indian students.

MEA’s spokesperson went on to say that the countries have agreed to remain engaged in easing and fast-tracking the visa process after the flow of students has brought mutual benefits.

“Senior MEA officials dealing with Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, UK & USA had constructive discussions with corresponding Heads of Missions/senior diplomats of these countries about streamlining student visas to Indian nationals,” Bagchi pointed out in this regard.

Authorities in India have brought to the table the issue of students from international countries calling on the authorities to expedite and further clarify the visa process, according to a report published by the Economic Times.

The Schengen visa application process is becoming a significant problem for citizens of India.

Recently it has been reported that the lack of appointments for German Schengen visas has caused uncertainties for Indian business people’s plans, even though new businesses and the existing ones are trying to attract a large number of clients after the difficulties caused by the Coronavirus.

In this regard, the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has made a representation to the European Union Ministry of External Affairs.

According to a report published by the Times of India, three major exhibitions, Drinktec, Aechma as well as K2022, are set to be held in Germany for the period between August and October.

 “Many Indian companies are participating as visitors and exhibitors in these exhibitions. This will help them identify new business opportunities. However, the normal procedure for Schengen exhibition visas takes time and makes it difficult for visitors to plan in advance,” the representation of GCCI reads.

However, the European Union Commission is continuously attempting to make this process easier for Indians.

Recently it was reported that holders of Indian passports would be eligible to obtain an online Schengen visa about four years from now after the Commission of EU is working on digitizing the Schengen Visa Procedures.

The situation caused by the virus has also impacted the Schengen visa application process as a whole.

SchengenvisaInfo.com previously announced that last year there was recorded an 83 per cent decrease in the number of visa applications filed at the embassies and consulates of Schengen Member countries by third-country citizens compared to 2019 figures.