Foreign United Arab Emirates residents who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area have been warned of scammers.
Just recently, VSG Global, which is a visa outsourcing company, called on all applicants in UAE to stay cautious as there are many scammers who claim to help with the Schengen visa application in exchange for a large amount of money.
The company said that the scammers promise to secure appointment slots, but in fact, they only accept the money, and then you receive no help whatsoever, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
As Khaleej Times explains, VSG Global also reminded all UAE foreign residents who wish to apply for a Schengen visa that charging to secure visa appointments is not permitted.
Taking into account the high number of people who have already fallen victim to such scams in UAE, the VFS Global UAE Regional Head, Monaz Billimoria, advised everyone to make their appointments on their own.
VFS Global further emphasised that making an appointment for a Schengen visa is free of charge, and the company does not charge for it. Schengen visa applicants only have to pay the processing fee. This fee is paid before applicants appear for the visa interview at the respective embassy or consulate.
VFS Global in UAE Expects High Number of Visa Applications in Upcoming Months
VFS Global in UAE said that the company registered 15 per cent more Schengen visa applications in 2023 compared to 2022.
France was one of the most popular destinations last year, with VFS Global receiving a high number of applications for a French visa.
As for this year, Billimoria said that they expect a high number of visa applications, too, especially during the Eid and summer holidays.
To make sure that everything goes smoothly, UAE foreign residents have already been advised to book their Schengen visa appointments in advance if they plan to enter the EU in April or onward.
While those who hold the passport of UAE can enter the bloc visa-free, the case is not the same for some foreigners who reside in the country. For this reason, foreigners in UAE have been called to take care of their Schengen visa appointment well in advance.
Billimoria said that EU countries remain preferred destinations for UAE foreign residents. The same highlighted that the applications can be made up to six months before the planned date of travel, encouraging everyone to apply for the document as soon as they have a clear travel plan.
