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Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking steps to address a growing concern: the dominance of illegal intermediaries in the Schengen visa appointment process.
Many Moroccans seeking to travel to Europe are facing significant financial burdens as they are forced to rely on these intermediaries to secure appointments.
The issue has drawn attention from both the public and the Moroccan Parliament. Members of the Popular Movement party have raised concerns about the exorbitant fees charged by these intermediaries, who often exploit the high demand for European visas.
Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, recently acknowledged the problem — particularly the outsourcing of visa services to specialized firms by countries like France, Spain, and Italy.
He also outlined the ministry’s efforts to combat it. These efforts include increased collaboration with European diplomatic missions, the implementation of stricter verification procedures, and the acceleration of visa processing times.
One significant measure introduced by the French visa application management company in Morocco is the use of video calls to verify applicants’ identities. This step aims to reduce the ability of intermediaries to manipulate the system.
While the ministry’s efforts are promising, the challenge of eliminating the black market for visa appointments remains. The high demand for European visas, coupled with limited appointment availability, creates a fertile ground for intermediaries to operate.
Reports of appointments being sold for up to MAD 10,000 (Approximately $1000) – well above the standard visa cost – have fueled public outrage.
Local media outlets have detailed accounts of applicants being forced to pay intermediaries for appointments that do not guarantee visa issuance.
These practices have become especially pronounced during peak travel periods, as more Moroccans seek Schengen visas for holidays or family visits.
Despite increased awareness and parliamentary pressure, applicants report difficulty in securing appointments independently. Advocacy groups and lawmakers continue to call for urgent reforms to dismantle the black market and protect citizens from financial exploitation.
Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vowed to sustain its efforts, working closely with European partners to ensure a fair and transparent visa application process, free from the grip of intermediaries.
