Moroccans Confront Delays in Schengen Visa Appointments Even After Reforms
Moroccan Citizens Still Struggling to Book Schengen Visa Appointments Despite Government Crackdown
Despite the introduction of new measures aimed at curbing exploitation in the Schengen visa application system, Moroccan passport holders continue to face severe difficulties in securing visa appointment slots.
Authorities claim to have rolled out a smart booking system to prevent intermediaries from blocking and reselling appointments on the black market for inflated prices—often up to €500 per slot. However, local reports suggest these reforms have not translated into meaningful improvements for regular applicants.
Appointments Still Unavailable, System Called "A Ghost"
According to Fes News, appointment availability at European consulates and visa application centers in Morocco remains virtually non-existent. Applicants say the system offers no visible slots, describing it as a "ghost platform" where appointments vanish instantly or never appear at all.
Ahmed, a Moroccan national, described his personal frustration:
“I monitor the website constantly, but it feels like chasing a mirage. It’s no longer just about intermediaries; it seems appointments are deliberately hidden or quotas are so low they barely meet 1% of the demand.”
Public Demand for Transparency and Accountability
Many Moroccan applicants believe they are being deprived of their fundamental right to travel, due to what they call an opaque and manipulated visa appointment system. They are now calling for:
- A full investigation into how appointment slots are being allocated
- Transparency in the booking process
- Stricter enforcement against black market resellers
Frustrated applicants point out that Schengen visa appointments are supposed to be free of charge via official channels, with only the standard visa processing fee required. However, due to scarcity, many feel forced to turn to unofficial intermediaries who charge hundreds of euros.
A Widespread Problem with Real Consequences
The issue has grown to national concern in Morocco, with significant economic and emotional tolls on citizens—especially students, workers, and families hoping to travel for legitimate purposes.
Recent figures from SchengenVisaInfo.com highlight the scope of Moroccan interest in the Schengen Area:
- 606,800 visa applications were submitted by Moroccans in 2024, making Morocco the fourth highest applicant country.
- Out of those, 457,850 visas were approved, while 115,774 were rejected—a rejection rate of nearly 19%.
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