Morocco confronts Schengen visa rejections as financial losses mount

Wednesday 27 August 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco confronts Schengen visa rejections as financial losses mount

Moroccans spent nearly MAD 1 billion ($100 million) on rejected Schengen visa applications in 2024, sparking outrage over the financial and emotional toll of the process. Parliamentary debates have intensified, with lawmakers denouncing excessive fees, opaque procedures, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Moroccan citizens.

Visa rejections: A costly burden

The Justice and Development Party (PJD) has taken aim at the growing number of Schengen visa rejections, labeling them a “financial hemorrhage.” According to PJD deputy Mustapha Ibrahimi, Moroccan travelers seeking visas for work, education, or medical treatment face rejection rates of approximately 20%. These refusals alone resulted in an estimated national loss of MAD 200 million ($20 million) in fees paid to European Union countries.

Ibrahimi criticized consular offices for their lack of transparency and questioned the role of intermediary companies that manage visa appointments, accusing them of imposing “exorbitant and unreasonable fees.” Emergency cases, such as those involving urgent medical needs, have also been neglected, further exacerbating frustrations.

Government response and new measures

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita responded to these concerns by outlining recent efforts to address inefficiencies in the visa process. France, Morocco’s largest source of Schengen visas, has implemented new procedures, including video identity verification and streamlined applications for certain categories.

Applicants who previously held a Schengen visa valid for at least one year can now renew their visas without prior appointments, while university students can submit applications directly through specialized centers. These measures aim to curb the black market for visa appointments, where brokers reportedly charge up to MAD 10,000 ($1,000) for securing slots.

Despite these reforms, challenges persist. In 2024, Morocco ranked fourth globally for Schengen visa applications, with over 606,000 submitted. France alone issued 284,000 visas to Moroccan citizens, accounting for nearly half of all applications processed.

Calls for reciprocity and reform

The debate over Schengen visa policies has grown increasingly politicized. Parliamentarians from various parties have called for Morocco to impose reciprocal visa requirements on European citizens, emphasizing the financial imbalance created by visa fees.

Hanane Atarguine of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) proposed reimbursing fees for rejected applications, citing the financial and psychological toll on applicants. Meanwhile, lawmakers Khalid Es-Satte and Loubna Alaoui have urged the government to adopt stricter measures to protect national dignity and sovereignty.

A broader critique of visa regimes

Critics argue that visa policies reflect neocolonial dynamics, enforcing exclusionary practices that commodify mobility and perpetuate systemic marginalization. While visa requirements are a sovereign right, Moroccan officials and lawmakers increasingly frame these policies as punitive and discriminatory.

Calls for reform have highlighted the need for greater transparency, reduced fees, and accountability for intermediary companies. The issue has also reignited debates over the broader implications of visa regimes, with Moroccan leaders advocating for policies that prioritize fairness and respect for citizens’ rights.