TLSContact Introduces Video Identity Verification to Tackle Visa Appointment Fraud in Morocco

Following recent reforms by BLS International to address Spanish visa appointment issues in Morocco, TLSContact has also announced unprecedented measures to eliminate fraudulent practices in the booking of Schengen visa appointments.

Doha – Following recent reforms by BLS International to address Spanish visa appointment issues in Morocco, TLSContact has also announced unprecedented measures to eliminate fraudulent practices in the booking of Schengen visa appointments.

Starting Wednesday, September 18, TLSContact, the company responsible for managing French visa applications for Moroccans, will implement a new procedure aimed at verifying the identity of visa applicants through video calls conducted by company employees. The new system will initially be rolled out in the capital city of Rabat.

The identity verification process will apply to specific visa categories, including family visits, tourism, research, professional travel, and training. It also will apply to cultural, scientific and sporting events, and foreign or French service agents, all for first-time applications only.

To book an appointment under the new system, applicants must complete the application form on the “France-Visas” website. Once the validity of the application is verified, TLS employees will contact the applicant via video call to confirm their identity by displaying their passport on camera. If the verification is successful, an email will be sent with the appointment details.

TLSContact emphasized in a statement that applicants will not pay any fees until they visit the visa center. After identity confirmation, the application will be kept for 45 days. If no appointment is made within this period, the applicant will be required to re-register.

These measures aim to protect applicants from fraud and ensure fairness in obtaining the required appointments. The announcement comes amidst growing frustration among Moroccans over the exploitation of visa appointment slots, which are often monopolized and resold at exorbitant prices by broker networks.

The Moroccan parliament has launched an investigation into the matter, with civil society leaders calling for reforms to the electronic booking system and enhanced cybersecurity measures to prevent manipulation.

Parliamentary inquiries are also questioning government ministers on steps being taken to facilitate Moroccans’ access to visas and uphold their rights and dignity.