Algerian nationals have been complaining about finding it nearly impossible to secure a French visa appointment via official and legal platforms.
According to the applicants, this is due to the black market surge and the failure of visa outsourcing companies to offer adequate services, Schengen.News reports.
Data show that around 1,200 French visa applications are submitted every day by Algerian nationals for various reasons, including tourism, family visits, and medical purposes.
However, not many claim to be going through a smooth process. A number of Algerians have said that visa appointments are being blocked by different agencies and intermediaries and then sold in the black market for a large amount of money.
As revealed by the applicants, Schengen visa appointments are being sold by different agencies and intermediaries for up to €138, which is very expensive when taking into consideration the minimum wage in the country.
In addition to blocking the appointments and selling them in the black market, agencies have also been accused of freely promoting their business online. Applicants complained that multiple social media platforms are being used to advertise appointments in exchange for money and that no measures have been taken so far.
Algerians Complain About Outsourcing Companies, Too
In addition to the above-mentioned, Algerians applying for French Schengen visas have also complained about the visa outsourcing companies.
Taking it to social media, numerous Algerians said that the outsourcing companies have been offering very poor service.
One of them said that despite trying multiple times to secure an appointment they had no luck as the website is always blocked.
I’ve been trying for three months without success, the site is always blocked.
Several others also had similar concerns and called on the relevant authorities to take measures as soon as possible as the current situation is very unfair to them.
Amid the ongoing complaints, the French Consul General in Algiers, Bruno Clerc just recently advised all Algerians to be extra cautious when applying for visas.
The Consul stressed that Algerians should avoid going through the visa application process with the help of intermediaries asking for a high amount of money and instead advised the use of official platforms and outsourcing services.
Since this month, Capago International has been the only outsourcing company authorised to offer French visa appointments. The company will be offering visa services for Algerians starting April 8, 2025.