Schengen Visas: A Big Problem for Moroccans

Many Moroccans wishing to work in France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal have difficulty obtaining appointments for “Schengen visas” linked to employment contracts at consulates. Intermediaries do not make it easy for them.

Complaints from Moroccan workers about delays in obtaining Schengen visa appointments at consulates during this period marked by a high demand for skilled labor in Europe have been observed in Facebook groups. “The process is facilitated by using intermediaries,” some Moroccan workers say. But “the fees charged by intermediaries are extremely high and are not within the reach of all Moroccan workers aspiring to work in Europe,” making obtaining appointments for the most popular work destinations, namely France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal, “difficult.” They also reported that “consulates are refusing applications from those under 25 to obtain a work contract (CDD).” They were told that “this will only start next September.”