In response to a high volume of Schengen visa applications, the Czech authorities have implemented an algorithm that randomly picks applicants. This algorithm operates in Czech embassies across many countries, including Nigeria, India, and Morocco.
By implementing this system, the Czech government aims to increase transparency, minimise human involvement in this situation and reduce the risk of corruption. However, the system has impacted travel for nationals of foreign countries living in the EU, which is the case with Ireland, Schengen.News reports.
Foreigners living in Ireland who are subject to visa requirements have to apply for a Schengen visa in order to visit a Schengen country, in this case, Czechia. Rakesh, an Indian who came to live in Ireland, has been waiting for a long time for his appointment for a Schengen visa to Czechia but with no luck.
The rising migration and visa fraud concerns have prompted the Czech authorities to take measures regarding these issues. The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that ten applicants compete for one visa appointment.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t had any luck so far, as the algorithm hasn’t selected him. Not everyone gets through. But one day it will.
The Czech authorities warned about the launch of the Electronic Visa Information System (ELVIS) back in June, as the government aimed to facilitate the application process.
ELVIS, or Electronic Visa Information System, is intended to facilitate and at the same time digitise the process of submission and subsequent processing of Schengen visa applications at Czech embassies abroad as much as possible.
New System Already Implemented in 27 Czech Embassies, Applicable to Applicants for Residence Permits
The algorithm is already being used for residence permits that are processed at 27 Czech embassies across the country, including Algeria, China, India, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
However, the system has received some criticism, with some people arguing that it leaves prospective travellers stranded. According to Petr Novotny, a Czech resident, his Indonesian friend keeps missing the opportunity to ensure a visa. As he told the Czech media, they have been waiting for weeks for a visa appointment.
Czechia receives thousands of visa applications for short-stays to the Schengen Area every year, making it a popular destination for tourists from third countries.
Czechia Received Over 138,000 Visa Applications in 2023
According to statistics published by SchengenVisaInfo, the number of visa applications that Czechia received in 2023 reached 138,840, which represents 1.3 per cent of all applications submitted.
In general, Czechia is ranked 13th for the number of visa applications it receives. Around 24,000 applications were rejected, showing rejection rates of 17.3 per cent, slightly higher than the Schengen average of 16 per cent.
The largest applicant groups for visas to Czechia came from Turkiye, India, Kazakhstan and China, with nearly all of them filing over 10,000 applications. These four countries represent 38.3 per cent of all visa requests received in 2023 by the Czech authorities.