Norway Urges Schengen Visa Applicants to Delay Ticket Purchases Until Visa Approval
Netherlands Introduces Automated System for International Student Residence Permits Processing Bosnia and Herzegovina Cancels Visas for 39 Foreign Workers Misusing Documents to Enter Croatia and Other…
Netherlands Introduces Automated System for International Student Residence Permits Processing Bosnia and Herzegovina Cancels Visas for 39 Foreign Workers Misusing Documents to Enter Croatia and Other EU Countries Illegally German Green Party Politicians Advocate for Ending Work Ban on Refugees Hungary Dismisses National Card Concerns, Citing 6,000 Russian Workers in Hungary and 300,000 in Germany Hungarian National Card Applicants Undergo the Same Migration and Security Screenings as Residence Permit Applicants
Key Updates:
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in the UAE has advised Schengen visa applicants from the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to submit their visa applications at least 15 days prior to their intended travel date. Applicants are strongly cautioned against purchasing travel tickets before receiving visa approval.In a recent press release, the Norwegian authorities highlighted that applications submitted during the first half of August 2024 are currently being processed. A significant number of these applications have been filed by individuals from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Additionally, visa appeals submitted before August 2023 are also under review, indicating a backlog in processing.Applicants are reminded that Schengen visa applications for Norway can be submitted up to six months before the planned travel date but must be lodged at least 15 days before departure. The Embassy has implemented a processing cap during peak seasons, with wait times extending up to 45 days, especially when additional documentation is required or when the application is referred to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).The Embassy also clarified that passports will remain at the Embassy while applications are processed, and applicants should not expect communication via phone or social media, as the Embassy only accepts inquiries via email, which must be in English.In 2023, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the UAE received a total of 10,691 visa requests, with 72.8% of these applications being approved. Notably, 34.3% of the approved visas were Multiple Entry Visas (MEVs).
