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The French authorities have announced plans for a major Schengen visa reform in 2025, with the new measures expected to tighten some rules while facilitating others.
During a press conference held earlier this week, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, said that by changing some of the rules, the country wants to tackle some visa issues while at the same time modernising its criticised system, Schengen.News reports.
As explained by local media, President Macron noted that the visa reform is pragmatic and suggested that France is aiming to find a balance between introducing sticker controls to prevent irregular migration and applying facilitated measures for certain categories of foreigners to encourage economic, academic and cultural exchanges.
The visa reform will be implemented gradually this year, according to Observ Algerie, and several points will be included in it.
These Rules Will Change as a Result of the Schengen Visa Reform
As soon as the reform of the Schengen visa system is made, the security checks for applicants will be strengthened.
The French authorities noted that they would increase the cooperation with the other member states to share the data of visa applicants and expand the use of the Schengen Information System to better review applicants.
In addition, France wants to impose tighter rules for nationals of countries that do not cooperate, in taking back their nationals remaining irregularly within the French territory.
On the other hand, the Schengen visa granting rules will be facilitated for nationals of countries that cooperate in the return of their nationals.
The French authorities also plan to accelerate the digitalisation of the visa application process. By digitalising the Schengen visa application process, France aims to simplify the procedures and reduce the processing times. This change will mainly benefit students, professionals, and researchers, among others.
Last but not least, as part of the reform, France will also expand the so-called talent visas, Observ Algerie notes.
Through this measure, France wants to attract more foreign workers to the country, especially those that can take up jobs in sectors dealing with sharp labour shortages.
Other changes could also be introduced. A final decision on the measures that are to be taken is expected to be made by the French government.
Source: https://schengen.news/france-to-introduce-schengen-visa-reform-in-2025-stricter-rules-for-some-easier-access-for-talent/
