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Rabat – The French consulate in Rabat ranked second worldwide in Schengen visa issuance in 2023, granting 127,724 visas out of 146,998 admissible applications.
The figures, published by the European Union’s Migration and Home Affairs Ministry, reflect Morocco’s strong demand for travel to Europe, Schengen News reports.
France remains a coveted destination for Moroccans, as many go there for education, work, and tourism.
Strong academic institutions, prior knowledge of the language, professional opportunities, and an established Moroccan community make it a preferred choice, especially for students pursuing higher education.
While the French consulate in Algiers received more applications, it approved fewer visas – 106,124 – placing it seventh in the global ranking.
At the top of the list, the Swiss consulate in New Delhi issued 166,919 visas out of 186,646 requests.
The Greek consulate in Istanbul came third, approving 124,894 visas from 152,778 applications.
The French consulate in London secured fourth place, with 123,880 visas granted from 130,181 applications.
Meanwhile, the Italian consulate in Moscow completed the top five, issuing 116,189 visas out of 122,970 requests.
Data from 2023 show that Chinese nationals submitted the highest number of Schengen visa applications, followed by applicants from Turkiye, India, Morocco, and Russia.
Overall, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands received the most requests, which shows Europe’s continued appeal despite stricter visa policies in recent years.
