The Embassy of Hungary in Muscat, Oman, has passed on the reception of visa applications to the visa centre of BLS International in Muscat, while visa appointments can be filed at the BLS website.
According to a press release by the Embassy of Hungary in Muscat, the decision entered into force in April and Omani residents can file applications for both short and long-term visas, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
This means that visa applications for tourism, business as well as work and study purposes, among others can all be filed at the visa centre located in Wattayah district.
Starting April 2024, D-visa applications entitled to receive a residence permit (studies, research, family reunification, employment, etc.) can also be submitted at this visa centre. Please note that D-type application forms have changed, only new application forms will be accepted.
The same pointed out that attestations can still be done at the consular section of the embassy.
Hungarian Embassy Outsourced Schengen Visa Applications Initially in 2023
In March of 2023, Ambassador Barnabas Fodor and Managing Director Sonia Taneja opened the Hungarian section. Initially, only Schengen C-type applications or requests for short-term visas could be accepted at this visa centre, while applications for other visas had to be submitted to the Embassy.
According to Schengen Statistics, a total of 450 visa applications were submitted to the Hungarian Embassy in Muscat in 2022, with 42 of those being rejected, taking the not issued rate to 9.3 per cent.
In 2021, the application rates to the Hungarian Embassy in Oman were even lower; a total of 19 visa requests were recorded, while none of those were rejected.
New Changes to Improve the Experience of Omani Applicants
Omani applicants for Hungarian visas will now have access to a more smooth process. Applying for a visa at the Embassy could sometimes be a hassle. BLS International Visa Centres can be located in different cities, which could save applicants time and travel costs.
Visa applicants to Hungary can increase in 2024, following some changes made to immigration rules.
As of January 1, 2024, there will be two types of employment permit categories such as Skilled Workers permit and Guest Workers permit. The first one will allow eligible workers a three-year stay, while the second one, depends on the number of vacant positions.
However, between January and February, the Hungarian authorities will not be accepting applications and no new employment permit requests will be issued.
