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Join on Telegram Rabat – The French Embassy in Morocco has announced a new, simplified visa application process for Moroccan graduates of French higher education institutions.
The initiative, which was unveiled by Sandrine Lelong-Motta, Consul General of France in Rabat, aims to facilitate visa applications for Moroccan holders of a master’s degree, engineering diploma, or higher qualifications such as a doctorate. In order to be eligible, applicants must register on the France Alumni platform.
While the new system does not guarantee automatic visa approval, it promises a more streamlined and considerate approach.
Graduates will benefit from dedicated appointment slots and expedited processing, provided their applications are complete. Successful applicants may receive a Schengen circulation visa valid for one to five years, enabling multiple entries into France and other Schengen Area countries.
This reform is part of France’s broader effort to strengthen ties with Moroccan professionals and enhance educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
This reform comes following significant challenges Moroccan applicants have faced in recent years.
In 2023, Morocco ranked second among African nations for the highest number of Schengen visa rejections, with 136,367 refusals costing applicants approximately MAD 117 million Moroccan (€10.9 million).
The high rejection rates, primarily from France and Spain, have been a point of contention and frustration for many Moroccans.
Several Moroccan professionals, artists, and even diplomats expressed their frustration for having their visa application rejected.
The high rejection rates came after France cut the number of visas approved for Moroccan citizens by half in 2021, citing the North African country’s refusal to receive Moroccans who are illegally residing in France.
After almost three years of controversy over the visa rejections, France announced in late 2023 lifting the restrictions on Moroccan nationals.
The new visa procedure is designed to address these challenges by offering Moroccan graduates a more accessible and efficient application process.
