Polish Embassy Warns Indian Citizens Against Using Agents for Schengen Visa Applications

The Polish Embassy in India has advised all visa applicants to avoid going through the visa application process with the help of intermediaries.

Such a recommendation comes following beliefs that those who use the services of intermediaries have an easier chance of getting a visa, Schengen.News reports. 

In addition to warning against intermediaries, Polish authorities clarified that the embassy in New Delhi and the consulate general in Mumbai do not cooperate with unauthorised external companies, such a travel and employment agencies and visa centres. 

The same emphasised that using the services that the intermediaries offer does not give special advantages to applicants, as everyone needs to go through the same process before being issued a visa.

Every Application Is Analysed Individually, Authorities Note 
The authorities further explained that every single application is analysed individually and thoroughly, while noting that intermediaries are not involved in this stage of the process. 

Regarding the high amount of money that intermediaries require, it was noted that when applying via official routes and not through middlemen, the only fee that applicants have to pay is the consular fee.

Poland Working to Launch System That Blocks Intermediaries 
Following multiple complaints from nationals of third countries over not being able to secure a visa appointment, the Polish authorities are working to launch a special IT system to block intermediaries from exploiting visa slots. 

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that additional electronic services will be introduced. These services will be used the verify the identity of those who want to make an appointment. 

It is believed that biometrics will be used to verify the identity of applicants. However, the Ministry is yet to share when the new system will enter into force and how will it work. 

The system is set to be launched for all visa applicants, but it will initially begin in some select countries that are considered “high-risk migration nations”. This group will include India, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. 

The mechanism will then be expanded to include other countries as soon as it is evaluated that the system is effective.

Source: https://schengenvisainfo.com/news/polish-embassy-warns-indian-citizens-against-using-agents-for-schengen-visa-applications/