The Belgian Ambassador to Senegal, Helene De Bock, has revealed that some 30,000 new residence permits were granted to Senegalese nationals.
In a press conference, the Ambassador also pointed out that she is aware of how challenging it is for Senegalese applicants to obtain a visa appointment, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
We are aware and we are very aware of the difficulties that exist in obtaining an appointment. There are two things that must be distinguished. We must distinguish the question of making an appointment which takes place (via) an external operator and the management of files.
The diplomat also mentioned the irregular emigration issue, saying that Belgium offers alternatives to regular migration, also mentioning circular mobility.
Ambassador Strongly Advises Against Using Intermediary Players
Ambassador De Bock also reminded Senegalese not to use unauthorised intermediaries to apply for visas, urging them to be transparent when applying for a Schengen visa.
Filling in the application form for a Schengen visa is free of cost, and each applicant can start the process by visiting the official website of the respective embassy.
We are put in difficulty by the intervention of these actors because we have no relationship with them; but who submit files or who monopolise and capture appointments for regular visa applications and therefore take the place of ordinary applicants.
She also noted that the authorities have taken the necessary measures to address this issue, in collaboration with the Senegalese authorities.
France – Top Destination for Senegalese Applicants
France is the country with most visas filed by Senegalese applicants in 2022. From a total of 56,866 visa applications filed, 27,556 or 48 per cent of those, were submitted to French authorities.
Spain (9,467) and Belgium (5,009) followed as second and third top countries, respectively, while Austria, Poland and Greece, had the fewest applications recorded for 2022.
France’s one of the largest student communities comes from Senegal. After China, Morocco, Algeria and Italy, Senegal is the fifth country of origin for students in France. It is estimated that 5,300 student visas were granted by French authorities in 2022.
The French Ambassador to Senegal, Christine Fages previously revealed that the acceptance rate for short-stay visas in 2022 was above 62 per cent, indicating that more than half of the applications filed by Senegalese nationals were approved.
In addition, the Ambassador says that the number of students in France has increased by 62 per cent in the last five years.
