Europe

Maldives Calls Once Again on EU to Lift Schengen Visa Requirement for Maldivians

The Maldivian authorities have once again called on the European Union to lift the Schengen visa requirement and allow visa-free entry to the bloc for citizens of Maldives.

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During a meeting with the Head of Taskforce for Electoral Campaign Bid Committee Expo 2030 Rome, Dr Gaetano Castellini Curiel, which was held on Tuesday, December 6, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid said that the EU should waive the Schengen visa requirement, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

In addition, Minister Shahid also required that the tariff imposed on Maldivian fish exports to the EU get dropped and, at the same time, highlighted that it is important that the country expands its partnership with Italy as well as all the other EU Member States.

This is not the first time that the Maldivian authorities have required that their citizens get permitted visa-free entry to the EU. Earlier in October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives made the exact same request and reminded the EU officials of the importance of strengthening the ties between them.

“Recalling the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties between the two sides, the Maldives also reiterated its request for visa-free travel for Maldivian nationals to travel to EU Member States,” the authorities said back then.

During the meeting held between the EU officials and the Maldives, the EU officials applauded the Maldivian government’s commitment to consolidate democratic governance, protect human rights, implement reforms, and strengthen the rules of law.

Moreover, the EU officials also reaffirmed their support of the endeavours of Maldives and highlighted the importance of the reforms.

Since Maldivian authorities have not yet reached a visa-liberalisation agreement with the EU, all its nationals need to obtain a Schengen visa before reaching any Member State.

A Schengen visa permits its holder to travel to the Member States of the EU for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Except for nationals of Maldives, those from several other countries also need a visa in order to be permitted entry to the EU.

>> Who Needs and Who Doesn’t Need a Schengen Visa to Travel to the EU?

Nationals of Maldives planning to reach the EU for travel purposes need to apply for a visitor visa. The appointment for a Schengen visitor visa should be made three months before the planned arrival to the bloc, and the applicants are required to submit several documents.

National of Maldives applying for a Schengen visa need to complete the visa application form as well as submit two photos, their passport, evidence of purchasing travel health insurance, an invitation letter, a roundtrip itinerary reservation, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means.

Depending on the employment status, applicants are required to submit additional documents too, such as an employment contract and income tax return.

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