Indians will find it easier to travel to the EU with new visa scheme

Indian citizens can now easily travel to Europe with the new multiple-entry Schengen visa scheme. The EU has updated its visa rules to allow Indian nationals to apply for a two-year multiple entry visa after using a short-stay Schengen visa twice within the last three years. This can be followed by a five-year visa, as long as their passport has sufficient validity, making travel to Europe more convenient for frequent travelers from India. The EU aims to strengthen its relations with India as an important partner and enhance people-to-people contact through this new visa programme.

The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across 29 European countries. With a multiple entry visa, Indian nationals can access the Schengen area for up to 180 days in a year without the need to reapply for each visit. This makes it easier for frequent travelers to plan their trips to Europe without the hassle of applying for a visa every time they visit. The EU Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, emphasized the importance of enhancing relations with India and promoting cooperation on migration policy by making travel to Europe more accessible for Indian citizens.

While the Schengen visa allows Indian nationals to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or family visits, it does not grant the right to work in EU countries. For those interested in working in Europe, there are various routes to obtain a work permit. Highly-qualified non-EU citizens may be eligible for a Blue Card, which allows them to live and work in any EU country (excluding Denmark and Ireland). Moreover, individual EU countries have their own non-EU work permit schemes tailored to address shortages of skilled workers in specific fields.

Germany, for instance, has introduced reforms to its Skilled Immigration Act to make it easier for non-EU citizens to work in the country. The new legislation aims to streamline the process of applying for a work permit and introduces a points-based system that considers qualifications, professional experience, age, German language skills, and ties to Germany. This is particularly beneficial for skilled workers such as craftspeople, engineers, IT specialists, caregivers, nurses, and professionals in the catering and hospitality industry. Similarly, Belgium is also welcoming foreign workers with skills in specific fields and has initiatives in place to attract talent to the country.

Overall, the EU’s new multiple-entry Schengen visa scheme offers Indian citizens the opportunity to travel to Europe more conveniently and strengthens the relationship between the EU and India. While the visa allows for short-stay visits for tourism or family purposes, those interested in working in Europe can explore other pathways such as the Blue Card or country-specific work permit schemes. With reforms in place to attract skilled workers from other countries, EU countries like Germany and Belgium are opening up opportunities for non-EU citizens to contribute to their economies and fill shortages in key industries.