According to official data from the European Union, approximately 200,000 Turkish citizens had their Schengen visa applications rejected in 2023. This number is anticipated to rise even further in 2024, marking a significant escalation in the difficulties faced by Turks seeking to travel to Europe. The visa barriers erected by European countries against Turkish nationals have become increasingly formidable, creating substantial obstacles for those wishing to visit.
Comparatively, the approval rates for visa applications from countries such as Belarus, Russia, India, Morocco, and China surpass those for applications from Turkey. European Commission statistics reveal that only Iranians face higher visa rejection rates than Turkish citizens.
Despite Turkey’s status as a candidate for full EU membership and its customs union partnership with the European Union, the stringent and often seemingly unjust visa requirements imposed on Turks continue to intensify. This tightening of visa policies stands in stark contrast to the agreements signed between Turkey and the EU, which were supposed to facilitate easier travel for Turkish nationals.
— Balkan Memes (@BalkanmemesTr) November 9, 2023
In 2023, over 1,055,885 visa applications were submitted to EU countries. Of these, more than 16% were rejected. This means approximately 200,000 Turkish nationals were denied an EU visa. In comparison, the rejection rate for Iranian citizens was 25.1% in 2022, which increased to 30% in 2023, making them the only group to experience a higher rate of denial than Turks.
With these figures, Turkish citizens have become the second most rejected nationality for European visas. The outlook for 2024 is even bleaker. The post-COVID surge in applications, ongoing economic crises, and increased scrutiny of illegal immigration to Europe have all contributed to a stricter examination process for visas.
Germany has announced that the wait time for a visa appointment can extend up to seven months. After securing an appointment, the processing of visa applications can take several additional months, potentially stretching the total wait time to nearly a year.
In rare cases, visas may be issued within a month or a few months. However, the greatest impact is felt in family reunifications or business travel, where these delays can cause significant hardship and disruption.
The growing challenges in obtaining Schengen visas for Turkish citizens reflect broader political and economic tensions. The visa rejections not only hinder personal and professional travel but also strain relations between Turkey and the European Union. As the situation worsens, it underscores the need for a reassessment of the visa policies and a more equitable approach that aligns with the partnership agreements between Turkey and the EU.
The escalating difficulty in securing Schengen visas for Turkish citizens is a pressing issue that calls for urgent attention. With the number of rejections set to increase in 2024, addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering better relations and ensuring fair treatment for all applicants.
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