The average visa refusal rate  for Uzbek citizens to EU stands at 12%, with the German consulate reporting the highest refusal rate at 23%. In an interview with Daryo's correspondent, Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission on January 17, emphasized that while this rate might seem relatively high, it is essential to consider the context, as the German consulate processes a significant majority of applications.

“I'm a great believer and defender of the visa as a way of connecting people, not preventing people from moving,” Schinas stressed.

In response to the concerns raised about visa facilitation, Vice-President Schinas emphasized his commitment to a people-centric approach. He expressed his belief in the visa as a means of connecting people rather than preventing movement. This perspective aligns with his role in coordinating policies that prioritize a human-centric approach within the College of Commissioners.

In a recent talk with Schinas, one of the topic was clearly centered around making it easier for Uzbek citizens to get visas. The interview looked into the details of the visa application process, giving a thorough understanding of its complexities. Schinas discussed possible steps to ease challenges faced by applicants, providing insights that could potentially reshape visa facilitation for Uzbek citizens.

Challenges in Initiating Visa Facilitation Discussions

Despite the Vice-President's positive stance on visa facilitation, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the current political climate. With the impending European Parliament elections and the transition to a new commission in December, initiating discussions on visa facilitation at this juncture is considered politically difficult and may not be feasible. However, Schinas expressed a hopeful outlook, indicating a willingness to engage in a visa facilitation dialogue in the upcoming political cycle.

Requirements for Visa Facilitation Dialogue

Schinas outlined the necessary conditions for initiating a visa facilitation dialogue. According to the institutional system, a mandate from the member states, specifically from the Council, is crucial. Brussels cannot unilaterally decide on visa facilitation; it requires a collaborative effort and agreement among member states. Additionally, the Vice-President highlighted the importance of continued engagement and cooperation from countries like Uzbekistan. Bringing down the visa refusal rate was also emphasized as a key factor in moving towards a visa facilitation dialogue.

In conclusion, Margaritis Schinas expressed a positive outlook for the potential initiation of visa facilitation discussions in the new political cycle.

"I very much welcome that we get into this mindset of visa facilitation dialogue in the new political cycle," Schinas voiced.

While recognizing the challenges at the end of the current political cycle, he remained optimistic that a collaborative effort, including mandates from member states and sustained engagement with countries like Uzbekistan, could pave the way for a more streamlined and accessible visa application process in the future.

The data reveals significant differences in visa refusal rates for Uzbek citizens between the EU and the United States. As mentioned before on average, the EU has a lower refusal rate, standing at 12%, with the German consulate reporting the highest at 23%.

In contrast, Daryo previously reported a higher visa refusal rate of 47% for citizens of Uzbekistan applying to the United States Embassy in Tashkent. It's important to acknowledge that visa application processes vary among countries, and factors such as immigration policies, security concerns, economic considerations, and bilateral relations contribute to the approval or denial of visas. These variations highlight the importance of understanding each country's specific requirements and policies when analyzing visa refusal rates.

About Margaritis Schinas: Vice-President of the European Commission

Margaritis Schinas, of Greek nationality, has an impressive career within the European Commission. Holding the position of Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life since 2019, he has been a key figure in coordinating the Commission's work on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, ensuring coherence in the external and internal dimensions of migration.

Schinas has also played a vital role in developing pathways to legal migration for integration into the job market and society, as well as coordinating the Commission's efforts in building a European Security Union. His responsibilities extend to strengthening prevention, detection, and response measures to hybrid threats and leading the Commission's dialogue on inclusion and building a genuine Union of equality and diversity.

With a wealth of experience dating back to his diplomatic roles and academic achievements, Margaritis Schinas stands at the forefront of shaping EU policies on migration, security, education, and cultural integration.

Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.