Fraudulent agencies are targeting foreign residents in the UAE seeking Schengen visas, according to a warning issued by VFS Global, the official outsourced visa processing partner for many Schengen countries.
The scam involves agencies falsely claiming to be VFS Global staff or partners. They lure applicants with the promise of securing coveted visa appointments and even guarantees in exchange for fees.
“It’s important to remember that appointments are released in real-time on our website and are completely free,” clarified a VFS Global spokesperson.
This deceptive practice preys on the growing challenge of obtaining Schengen visa appointments in the UAE. Recent data paints a frustrating picture, with 65% of respondents in a survey of 419 applicants confirming their inability to secure appointments for the summer season.
VFS Global urges applicants to avoid intermediaries and emphasizes that the only legitimate fee is the standard visa processing charge.
The company also recommends early applications, particularly during peak travel periods like summer. Applications can be submitted up to six months before your intended travel date.
The high demand for Schengen visas is further illustrated by statistics from 2023. Foreign residents in the UAE submitted over 233,000 Schengen visa applications, with Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands being the most popular destinations. While 175,000 applications were successful, over 52,000 were rejected.
This situation highlights the importance of applying through legitimate channels and avoiding scams that exploit the competitive landscape for Schengen visas in the UAE.
