Many candidates wishing to go to France face a thorny problem: the impossibility of obtaining an appointment to submit their visa application at the consulate. This situation pushes them to resort to intermediaries who claim to have the power to facilitate obtaining these visas. On this subject, Bruno Clerc, Consul General of France in Algiers, clarified the situation by providing essential information on the Schengen visa.
Clerc emphasized that the process of booking an appointment to submit a visa application is completely free. He strongly encouraged candidates not to seek people presenting themselves as intermediaries, ensuring that the appointment can be obtained easily without their intervention.
The Consul General of France in Algiers attributed the lack of availability of visa appointments in Algeria to a constantly increasing demand. He said: “The consulate receives no less than 1,200 visa applications in Algeria every day.” He warned against certain individuals trying to position themselves as intermediaries and persuading candidates that they are essential to obtain an appointment to submit a visa application. He urged people to be wary of those who falsify or add documents to the file, stressing that his services are actively fighting against this scourge in collaboration with local authorities.
This situation raises concerns about the transparency of the visa application process, as applicants face considerable challenges in securing an appointment. Growing demand, particularly in Algeria, highlights the need for a review of procedures to ensure that those wishing to travel to France can do so without facing unfair obstacles.
The joint efforts of the consulate and local authorities to counter the activities of unauthorized intermediaries are a step in the right direction. However, it remains essential to improve the accessibility of the visa application process to ensure a fair and transparent experience for all applicants. Vigilance and education of applicants on the dangers associated with unofficial intermediaries are also crucial elements to ensure the legitimacy of the process and protect the rights of applicants.
