Strict visa policy has penalised 'good people' & damaged France’s reputation, says President Macron
President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that the reduction in residence visas in France mainly inconvenienced the "right people," failing to target dubious intermediaries or undesirable individuals, thus damaging the country's reputation without im...
By ET Online |
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The reduction in the issuance of residence visas in France mainly inconvenienced the "right people," those who pose no problems, while failing to hinder dubious intermediaries, migration networks, and individuals deemed undesirable in the country, said President Emmanuel Macron, as per a report by local media house Le Point.
"It has damaged our reputation and image without significantly improving our effectiveness," he admitted. However, he added, "That doesn't mean we should move toward laxity. We must maintain a strict policy, but one that allows us to intelligently condition and simplify our visa policy."
The acknowledgement of failure stems from the report by Paul Hermelin, submitted to the Ministers of the Interior and Foreign Affairs in April 2023, says Le Point.
"The tightening of visa policies is reflected in the numbers: the refusal rate rose from 10.7% in 2010 to around 17% in 2023. This trend confirms the security-focused approach that has dominated in recent years, sometimes at the expense of the country's attractiveness."
The issue of resources remains critical, the report by Paul Hermelin says. "Visas generate substantial income: €175 million in 2022. Yet consular services receive only a fraction—0.75% of the revenue. This is absurd, given that a single day of work by an agent can generate more than their monthly salary."
Paul Hermelin does not advocate for a relaxation of controls but rather for a better balance between three objectives: security, migration management, and attractiveness, says Le Point. He specifically suggests improving the identification and facilitation of priority "target audiences" (talents, entrepreneurs), maintaining strict controls while enhancing administrative efficiency, and adopting a differentiated approach based on applicant profiles, rather than a generalized tightening that unfairly penalizes those who do not deserve it, as per the media house.
Cost savings could certainly be achieved by pooling visa services with other Schengen countries for smaller visa operations abroad, Le Point adds.
"Additionally, a Schengen e-visa system will be implemented in 2026. The digitization of Schengen visa application procedures, eliminating consulate appointments and easily forged visa stickers, will completely reorganize the administrative process. Between 22 and 25 million visa applications worldwide will be processed through this platform at its launch, saving time and money for member states.," the report by Paul Hermelin says.
Le Point notes that Macron has drawn lessons from the Hermelin report and has announced a reform that would implement the recommendations. However, it is yet to be seen what the reform will include exactly and who will be affected the most.
"It has damaged our reputation and image without significantly improving our effectiveness," he admitted. However, he added, "That doesn't mean we should move toward laxity. We must maintain a strict policy, but one that allows us to intelligently condition and simplify our visa policy."
The acknowledgement of failure stems from the report by Paul Hermelin, submitted to the Ministers of the Interior and Foreign Affairs in April 2023, says Le Point.
"The tightening of visa policies is reflected in the numbers: the refusal rate rose from 10.7% in 2010 to around 17% in 2023. This trend confirms the security-focused approach that has dominated in recent years, sometimes at the expense of the country's attractiveness."
The issue of resources remains critical, the report by Paul Hermelin says. "Visas generate substantial income: €175 million in 2022. Yet consular services receive only a fraction—0.75% of the revenue. This is absurd, given that a single day of work by an agent can generate more than their monthly salary."
Paul Hermelin does not advocate for a relaxation of controls but rather for a better balance between three objectives: security, migration management, and attractiveness, says Le Point. He specifically suggests improving the identification and facilitation of priority "target audiences" (talents, entrepreneurs), maintaining strict controls while enhancing administrative efficiency, and adopting a differentiated approach based on applicant profiles, rather than a generalized tightening that unfairly penalizes those who do not deserve it, as per the media house.
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Cost savings could certainly be achieved by pooling visa services with other Schengen countries for smaller visa operations abroad, Le Point adds.
"Additionally, a Schengen e-visa system will be implemented in 2026. The digitization of Schengen visa application procedures, eliminating consulate appointments and easily forged visa stickers, will completely reorganize the administrative process. Between 22 and 25 million visa applications worldwide will be processed through this platform at its launch, saving time and money for member states.," the report by Paul Hermelin says.
Le Point notes that Macron has drawn lessons from the Hermelin report and has announced a reform that would implement the recommendations. However, it is yet to be seen what the reform will include exactly and who will be affected the most.
A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows access to 31 countries within the Schengen Zone, but its benefits extend beyond Europe. Several countries offer entry to Indian travellers with this visa. However, it's important to be aware of the fine print, as visa regulations can change unexpectedly—so always verify with the relevant embassy before you travel.
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