Digitalization of the visa application system most welcome

On 27 April 2022, the European Commission issued its proposal for the digitalisation of the Schengen visa process (COM(2022) 658 final).

Following the proposal, visa applicants will be able to apply for a visa online, including paying the visa fee through a single EU platform, regardless of the Schengen country they want to visit and the platform will automatically determine which Schengen country is responsible for examining an application, in particular when the applicant intends to visit several Schengen countries.

The platform will also provide applicants with up-to-date information on Schengen short-stay visas, as well as all necessary information regarding the requirements and procedures (such as supporting documents, visa fees or the need for an appointment to collect biometric identifiers).

Appearing in person at the consulate would only be mandatory for first-time applicants for the collection of biometric identifiers, for applicants whose biometric data are no longer valid or for those with a new travel document.

HOTREC welcomes the improvements and thanks to the European Commission for having listened to HOTREC’s concerns during the consultation phase. Travel is now made easier for visa applicants, while procedures are made more effective and secure.

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Meeting DG HOME + DG GROW: Ukrainian refugees
01/03/2023    
14:00 - 15:00
On 1 March 2023, HOTREC held a meeting with DG Home and DG GROW on the Ukrainian refugees topic.  Participants to the meeting European Commission [...]
Pact for Skills - coordination meeting
02/03/2023    
15:00 - 16:30
Main outcome of the meeting available
09 Mar
09/03/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
Presentation and draft minutes are now available.
European Platform Undeclared Work - Ukraine refugees sub-group
09/03/2023    
10:00
Participants:  Participants of ELA (European Labour Authority), labour inspectors from Member States, European Federation of Employers; HOTREC (Marta Machado) Agenda Subgroup on displaced persons and [...]
10 Mar
10/03/2023    
11:00 - 12:00
ExCom Video Conference Link ExCom draft agenda - 10 March 2023 Draft Minutes of ExCom meeting of 25 January 2023 Antitrust Statement HOTREC Statutes HOTRE [...]
14 Mar
14/03/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
We are delighted to invite you to the Social Affairs Working Group meeting, taking place on 14 March 2023, online. Please register by using this [...]
Sectoral Social Dialogue meeting
20/03/2023    
10:00 - 13:00
We are delighted to invite you to the next Sectoral Social Dialogue (SSD) meeting, which will be hybrid, taking place on 20 March 2023 (from [...]
23 Mar
23/03/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
SAVE THE DATE: 23 March Exact timing and agenda TBC
Online Series: 90 Minutes to Close The Loop
30/03/2023    
14:00 - 15:30
Online Series: 90 Minutes to Close The Loop Episode 9 – broadcast live on the 30th of March 2023 at 14:00 to 15:30 Roadmap for [...]
Events on 01/03/2023
Events on 02/03/2023
Events on 10/03/2023
Events on 14/03/2023
14 Mar
Events on 20/03/2023
Events on 30/03/2023