The strong demand from Algerians for Schengen visas, particularly from consulates in certain Western countries (France, Spain, etc.), has led to the proliferation of the phenomenon of “ selling appointments ” on the black market.
To avoid waiting several weeks and given the difficulty of getting appointments, some citizens prefer to pay. Up to more than 100,000 dinars, denounces the deputy of Algerians abroad, Abdelouahab Yagoubi, in a written question to the Prime Minister.
The MP made public the text of his question and the response of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Established Abroad, Ahmed Attaf.
” Humiliations “
The MP pointed the finger at intermediaries, travel agencies, and suspicious people active on social networks. These ” gangs ” take advantage of the distress of some citizens who have to travel urgently for various reasons (tourism, care, studies, business, etc.) and illegally charge them exorbitant rates, not to obtain a visa, but only to have an appointment, he explains.
Yagoubi also denounced the ” humiliations ” inflicted by visa-providing companies approved by foreign consulates on Algerian citizens, who are forced to wait in long queues outside or pay to benefit from a VIP service.
The MP challenged the Prime Minister, indicating that “the fight against this phenomenon requires joint action by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Trade. He suggested the opening of judicial investigations by the public prosecutor’s office and actions by the trade services to force service providers to comply with the regulations.”
Algerian Foreign Minister Speaks Out on the Phenomenon of Selling Visa Appointments
The response to Yagoubi’s written question came from Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, who immediately acknowledged the ” illegal ” nature of the sale of visa appointments.
According to Ahmed Attaf, the fight against this phenomenon is ” the top priority ” of the relevant services in his department.
The head of Algerian diplomacy assures that his ministry periodically alerts foreign diplomatic representations when this type of practice is recorded while urging them to work to ensure compliance with national legislation in this area and provide all possible facilities to Algerian citizens in the processing of requests, ” by the principle of reciprocity .”
The black market for Schengen visa appointments in Algeria: “ A dangerous phenomenon ”
This awareness-raising work with foreign embassies in Algeria has produced ” good results”, he adds, since some representations have decided to create Internet platforms allowing Algerian applicants to submit and track their visa applications online, without resorting to intermediaries.
Some embassies have even initiated legal proceedings against people involved in ” cases of extortion and fraud at the centers concerned,” the minister said.
Ahmed Attaf further assures that his ministerial department will continue its efforts, within the limits of its prerogatives and in coordination with the competent national organizations, to fight against this ” dangerous phenomenon ” and ” ensure optimal treatment preserving the dignity of our citizens and protecting their rights .”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also pledged to continue his awareness-raising efforts with foreign diplomatic representations to encourage them to demonstrate a ” spirit of responsibility and adhere to the laws of the country ” and the ” relevant rules of international law, in particular the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
