Consultation session on the Visa Package Proposal

GRTU Deputy President Philip
Fenech has this week attended a consultation session focusing on the
preliminary proposal of the Visa Package. This legislative proposal adopted by
the European Commission is intended to shorten and simplify procedures for many
non-EU nationals wanting to enter the EU for short stays whilst maintaining
security.

During the session, Philip Fenech enquired on how the Member States
welcomed this proposal at it appears that Malta's concerns are common also in
the other Member States; however it is also clear that the majority of the
Member States will opt for the proposal to become harmonised.

Making the access to the
Schengen area easier for legitimate travellers will facilitate visiting friends
and relative and doing business. This proposal will:

Develop a Common Visa Policy which is a fundamental
component of the creation of a common area without internal borders

Establish
a Visa Code which sets out to harmonise procedures and conditions for issuing
short-stay visas

Facilitate
legitimate travel and tackle irregular immigration

Identify
further improvements that can be made to achieve a smarter common visa policy,
which also increases the attractiveness of the EU for business, researchers,
students, artists and culture professionals and which responds to current and
future challenges.

Make
it possible to lodge visa applications at other EU Member States' Consulates if
the Member

Introduce
substantial facilitation for regular travellers including issuing of multiple
entry visas valid for three years

Introduce
a simplified application form and allowing for online applications

Introduce
the possibility for Member States to devise special schemes granting visas at
the borders up to 15 days in one Schengen State

Introduce
the possibility for Member States to facilitate the issuing of visa for
visitors attending major events

Reduce
the deadline for processing and taking a decision from 15 to 10 days

Introduce
the obligation on the Central authorities consulted to reply definitely within
3 calendar days after being consulted

Further information can be
found:

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/docs/proposal_regulation_touring_visa_en.pdf