New Era in Schengen: Consensus reached to solve visa issues for Turkish citizens

The visa crisis that Turkish Republic citizens have been facing when entering EU countries has long been a prominent issue in the country’s agenda. Most recently, consensus has been reached between the EU and Ankara on facilitating Schengen visas for students and businesspeople.

Visa applications made by Turkish Republic citizens to the EU have been largely rejected for an extended period.

According to a report on Turkish media, during the visit of the EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, to Ankara last week, areas where progress could be made on the issue were discussed.

During the meeting, consensus was reached on facilitating Schengen visas for students and businesspeople, with options such as issuing multiple visas also being considered.

HUNGARIAN MODEL

In the multiple visa system, individuals can visit Schengen countries as many times as they wish within the validity period of the visa. Work is being done with the Hungarian example, where quick results can be obtained through online applications, within this framework.

Furthermore, there is an aim to increase the number of personnel handling visa applications and to expedite the new application process for citizens whose applications have been rejected.