France facilitates the visa for Moroccan graduates
Visas are an important mechanism for controlling migration and ensuring the security and integrity of countries. The French Embassy in Rabat has announced on its official channels a new system for Moroccan graduates of French universities with a master's degree or equivalent, a degree in engineering or a higher level such as a doctorate and registered in French as postgraduate training.
Sandrine Lelong-Motta, French consul general in Rabat, said the system "is specifically designed for Moroccan graduates from French universities". The purpose of this system is to simplify the visa application process. "This system will make it easier for you to book your visa and process your application. You will be given specific time periods to upload your files." However, it has also generated challenges and tensions around migration management and the integration of migrants in destination countries.
In the video presentation of the application, the French consul stated that "visas are not automatically issued to all applicants, but if your application is complete you will be able to obtain a circulation visa for a period of 1 to 5 years. This visa will allow you to enter France and travel several times within the European Union, which will give you great flexibility when travelling".
Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Morocco, explained that the visa application will be considered according to Schengen rules, but with kindness. There are two steps to follow. The first step is to register on the France Salut Maroc website. The link is in the description of the video. Upload your title and France Maroc will verify its authenticity.
The second step is to register on the France VISA website. On the France VISA website, you will find a wizard that will help you find the documents you need to apply for your visa. Make the application and register your visa application on the website. Once completed, all that remains is to fill in the online form, choosing from the many options available to you. The France VISA assistant will then take you to the TLS contact centre to make an appointment. Finally, in the third step, make an appointment at the visa centre to present all the required documents.
Morocco ranked first as the African country with the highest number of visa challenges by France. With a total of 136,367 applications in 2023, these refusals cost Moroccans nearly 13.3 million dollars (166 million DH). Rounding out the top five are Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Ghana.
In light of this situation, it is important to mention that the French Embassy in Morocco also provided data on the most common reasons for visa refusals, including: lack of documents or incomplete information (43.6%), immigration or residence problems (24.5%), security or crime problems (15.4%), health problems or illness (6.5%), and other reasons (10%).
According to the 2023 data, 25% of North Africans seeking work in France have experienced racial or ethnic discrimination in their job search. In addition, a study by the Foundation for Research on Discrimination (FRED) in 2024 found that 40% of Maghreb job seekers in France have experienced racial or ethnic discrimination in their job search.
The governments of Rabat and Paris are working closely together to address the situation and promote the inclusion and integration of Maghrebi citizens residing in France. It is important that appropriate measures are taken to combat discrimination and exclusion and to promote their integration into French society.