Moroccan Travelers Face Steep Costs for Schengen Visa Appointments Amid Intermediary Surge

The phenomenon of illegal intermediaries in obtaining Schengen visa appointments is growing. Getting appointments at the agencies set up by European countries for these visas is almost impossible. Moroccans seeking this coveted pass to be able to enjoy their vacations in Europe are forced to turn to intermediaries. They do not hesitate to demand exorbitant amounts that can reach 10,000 dirhams for a single appointment, reports Assabah. In the middle of summer, these intermediaries are making a "crazy money" on the backs of Schengen visa applicants.

From the testimonies collected by the daily, it appears that Moroccans wishing to travel abroad, for their summer holidays or to visit their loved ones, are increasingly victims of blackmail. Thus, they are faced with a single alternative: pay these intermediaries to have access to an appointment allowing them to file the visa application file. However, this appointment does not guarantee the issuance of the visa.

Without effective intervention by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Moroccans will continue to be subject to the law of Schengen visa appointment intermediaries.