DR ‹ › Moroccans have secured the second spot globally for Schengen visas issued by France in 2025, as revealed by Olivier Ramadour, the French Consul General in Rabat. In 2025, France issued over 300,000 Schengen visas to Moroccan nationals, reflecting a 20% increase from 2024. This positions Morocco just behind China but ahead of India in terms of visa distribution, explained Mr. Ramadour during the «Inter Matin» program on Chaîne Inter, hosted by M'hamed Bhiri. He emphasized that this statistic underscores «the significance of the bilateral relationship with Morocco, as well as the strength and depth of human connections between the two countries». He further highlighted that the visa process is a «crucial component» of the strategic partnership between France and Morocco. The Consul General pointed out the substantial efforts made over the past two years to streamline access to visa appointments, thereby enabling more Moroccans to travel to France with ease. He explained that the French consular services in Morocco, which have outsourced the handling of visa applications to a service provider, are working to improve and speed up the application process and reduce processing times. Addressing the issue of intermediaries, Mr. Ramadour noted that they «disrupt equal access», and stated that the French consular services are actively seeking ways to eliminate their interference. «It's acceptable if intermediaries assist in compiling applications for those who lack time or are not fluent in French. The problem arises when these agencies monopolize online appointments using automated methods and then sell them to applicants», he added. He reminded the public that scheduling appointments for visa applications is free of charge. Mr. Ramadour also clarified that, contrary to common belief, Schengen visa refusals are justified based on criteria agreed upon by all Schengen partners. Each refusal can be contested first through the visa appeal commission and subsequently in the French administrative court.
