EU Considers Launching Visa Facilitation Office in Sri Lanka to Ease Application Challenges
EU Weighs Visa Facilitation Office in Sri Lanka as Poland Backs Proposal
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, during his three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, acknowledged the challenges Sri Lankan citizens face in securing Schengen visas and expressed support for establishing a visa facilitation office in the country. However, such a move requires broader EU approval and is unlikely to happen immediately.
Minister Sikorski emphasized Poland's willingness to strengthen bilateral ties by increasing seasonal employment opportunities and enhancing student exchange programs between Poland and Sri Lanka.
Visa Challenges for Sri Lankans in 2024
Recent data from SchengenVisaInfo reveals that Sri Lankan nationals submitted 25,721 Schengen visa applications in 2024. Of these:
- 16,318 visas were approved
- 9,027 visas were rejected
- Refusal rate: 35.4%
Top 3 Schengen Destinations for Sri Lankans in 2024:
- France:
- Applications: 9,555
- Approved: 6,049
- Rejected: 3,358
- Rejection Rate: 35.7%
- Switzerland:
- Applications: 6,617
- Approved: 4,220
- Rejected: 2,255
- Rejection Rate: 34.1%
- Germany:
- Applications: 5,095
- Approved: 3,371
- Rejected: 1,649
- Rejection Rate: 32.4%
The statistics highlight the pressing need for streamlined visa services, reinforcing Minister Sikorski’s proposal to enhance access through a local visa office in Sri Lanka.
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