Turkish Citizens: Visa Applications Now Handled by Foreign Affairs Foundation
Visa procedures for Turkish nationals will now be managed by the Foreign Affairs Foundation. This strategic shift aims to centralize visa operations under the foundation, enhancing efficiency and oversight.
Centralizing Visa Operations
Transition to Foreign Affairs Foundation
The decision to transfer visa procedures to the Foreign Affairs Foundation follows the parliamentary commission's approval of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) proposal. This initiative intends to streamline visa operations and ensure that the majority of visa revenues benefit the state.
Historical Context and Changes
Previously, intermediary companies handled visa procedures for Turkish citizens travelling abroad. These companies, both local and specialized, were contracted due to the high volume of applications and documentation involved in the visa process.
Implications of the New Decision
Revenue Allocation
Deputy Foreign Minister Yasin Ekrem Serim highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently receives visa intermediary services from 12 companies in 58 countries. The new proposal will see the Foundation for the Strengthening of the Foreign Affairs Organization managing these procedures, with most visa revenues directed to the state.
Economic Impact
AK Party Balikesir Deputy Mustafa Canbey noted that intermediary companies generated over 1.1 billion lira from visa activities last year. This accounted for 20% of the visa revenues, while the remaining 80% was retained by these companies. The total annual income of visa intermediaries amounted to 5.5 billion lira.
Challenges and Concerns
Increased Charges
Nigerian applicants have raised concerns about the rising charges for visa processing by firms engaged by the Turkish government. The unexpected increase in fees in Lagos and Abuja has been described as exorbitant, causing frustration among applicants.
Global Visa Services
Many countries worldwide, especially in the EU, use outsourcing services for visa processing. Companies like VFS Global and BLS International operate extensive networks of application centres globally. VFS Global, for instance, operates in 147 countries with 3,093 application centres, serving 62 governments. Similarly, BLS International operates in over 65 countries with more than 12,000 application centres.
Conclusion
The centralization of visa procedures under Türkiye’s Foreign Affairs Foundation marks a significant shift in managing visa operations. This change aims to enhance efficiency, ensure better revenue allocation, and address the challenges faced by Turkish citizens and foreign applicants alike.
FAQs
- Why is Türkiye centralizing visa procedures under the Foreign Affairs Foundation?
The centralization aims to streamline visa operations, improve efficiency, and ensure that the majority of visa revenues benefit the state.
- What was the role of intermediary companies in visa processing?
Intermediary companies handled the high volume of visa applications and documentation for Turkish citizens travelling abroad.
- How will this change impact visa processing fees?
The centralization may lead to adjustments in processing fees, but the specific impact on fees remains to be seen.
- What concerns have been raised about visa processing charges?
Applicants, particularly from Nigeria, have expressed frustration over the unexpected increase in visa processing fees.
- How widespread is the use of outsourcing services for visa processing globally?
Many countries, especially in the EU, use outsourcing services for visa processing. Companies like VFS Global and BLS International operate extensive networks of application centres worldwide.