France resolves visa dispute with Algeria

The French authorities declared on Sunday that the country will put an end to the visa conflict with Algeria, which has been related to migration.

According to the authorities, the decision was made as part of attempts to enhance relations between the two countries.

According to the Associated Press, following a meeting with Algerian authorities, France's Minister of Interior, Gerald Darmanin, stated that consular relations between France and Algeria will return to normal, implying that the country will no longer limit the number of visas issued to Algerians.

According to the same source, France declared last year that it will reduce the amount of visas provided to nationals of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia because these nations refused to return citizens who were unlawfully staying in France.

Nonetheless, following his visit to Algeria last weekend, Minister Darmanin declared that France and Algeria will renew their visa cooperation as well as 'exchanges between people'. Furthermore, Minister Darmanin stated that the two countries will continue to collaborate in the areas of migration and security.

“France and Algeria have opened a new page in their relations. At the request of Emmanuel Macron, I went to Algiers to discuss with my counterpart and President Tebboune the cooperation of our two countries in the areas of migration and security,” Minister Darmanin wrote on his official Twitter account.

Aside from resolving the visa conflict with Algeria, France has decided to lift visa restrictions imposed on Moroccan nationals since last year.

Following meetings with the Moroccan Foreign Minister, France's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, stated that France will abolish visa limitations for Moroccans, implying that the country will no longer issue a limited number of visas.

Since Morocco and Algeria have not established a visa-liberalisation agreement with the Schengen Area member states yet, its nationals are obliged to apply for a Schengen visa - which authorises them to stay in the area for stays of up to 90 days - when seeking to reach the European Union.

Moroccan and Algerian nationals wishing to travel to the EU must apply for a tourist Schengen visa.

All persons seeking for a Schengen visiting visa must provide a completed application form, identity pictures, their passport, proof of having secured lodging, and proof of having paid EU travel health insurance.

In addition to the aforementioned requirements, applicants for a tourist Schengen visa must additionally provide proof of sufficient financial resources, a cover letter, and a flight itinerary.

Depending on the work position, embassies or consulates may also require applicants to submit other documentation.

By fLEXI tEAM